The Effect of Misuse of Child Restraint Systems in Accidents

Abstract

Although child restraint systems (CRS) have improved the transportation of young children, approximately 85 percent of CRS are improperly used (National Safe Kids, 1999). This accident-based study was conducted to examine how CRS and seat belts are misused, what is the effect of that misuse, and how caregivers learn about proper usage of CRS. Data from 194 children involved in accidents showed that more than two-thirds were not in the appropriate restraint for their age, height, and weight; over half were improperly restrained in a CRS; and about one-quarter used seatbelts improperly. Over half of the caregivers who read the CRS manual used the CRS improperly. The data also show that regardless of whether the restraint was used properly or improperly, most of the children sustained no or minor injuries. Measures to improve child restraint and seatbelt use include educational outreach, improvements in CRS and automobile design and State legislative initiatives.