Child restraints for cars in low and middle-income countries

Abstract

When used correctly, modern child restraints provide exceptional protection for children in car crashes. Most vehicles sold in high-income countries (HIC) have top tether anchorages and/or ISOFIX lower anchorages that are intended to reduce the incidence of misuse, in addition to improving occupant protection. Most vehicles in LMIC do not have these features and many do not have seat belts in rear seats or have inferior lap-only seat belts in these seats. Children in these vehicles are at much greater risk of severe injury in the event of a crash. This paper examines ways to safely restrain children in these ill-equipped vehicles, mainly through retrofitting child restraint anchorages and seat belts.