Change in seating position of children in towaway crashes from 1989 to 2019

Abstract

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to examine the impact of the nationwide response to passenger airbag (PA) related deaths of children. The response was implemented in 1996 and focused on moving children to rear seats. This study determined the change in seating position of children from 1989 to 2019. MethodsField accident data on exposed occupants in towaway crashes was determined using 1989–2015 NASS-CDS in five groups (1989–1995, 1996–99, 2000–04, 2005–09 and 2010–15) and 2017–19 CISS in one group. Children were grouped as 0–2 yo (years old), 3–7 yo and 8–12 yo. Occupants 13 + were included for completeness. Seat position was defined as left-front (LF), right-front (RF), 2nd row and 3rd row. The weighted data provided an estimate for the change in seating position over time by occupant age with standard errors. ResultsFor 0–2 yo, 27.9% were in the RF seat in 1989–95. The fraction decreased to 0.40% in the 2017–19 (p < 0.001). For 3–7 yo, 32.1% were in the RF seat in 1989–95 and 3.2% in 2017–19 (p < 0.001). There has been a steady decrease in 0–7 yo using the RF seat. For 8–12 yo, there was a step decline in use of the RF seat from 39.5% in 1989–95 to 23.2% in the 2017–19 (p < 0.001). ConclusionsThe immediate reduction in front-seat use among younger children was associated with the nationwide public information efforts implemented in 1996 to move children to rear seats. Children up to 7 yo are no longer riding in the RF seat of vehicles in towaway crashes, unless there is no other option. Children 8–12 yo are still using the RF seat, but at a lower rate. The change in use of the RF seat for children 0–7 yo provides evidence that safety campaigns on placing young children in rear seats were successful in the US.