The present investigation examined the comparative influence on increasing usage of child safety devices (CSD) by rewarding children for their use of the devices and by informing parents about possible improved behaviour exhibited by children when they are buckled up. The subjects were children aged 6 months through 6 years at two day care centres. Observations of safety device use were conducted when children arrived at the centres in the morning. Four stages of the study were implemented at each centre with sequential combinations of conditions: Baseline, Reward, Behavioural Improvement Emphasis, and Return to Baseline. The procedure of informing parents about possible improved behaviour exhibited by secured children had minimal effect on increasing the number of children in CSDs. However, rewarding children for their use of CSDs significantly influenced usage. Rewarding children for being in CSDs also positively influenced driver rates of seat belt use. (A)
Samenvatting