Observed child restraint misuse in a large,urban community: Results from three years of inspection events |
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Institution: | 1. Division of Pediatric Surgery, Children''s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA;2. Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA;1. Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, United States;2. Orthopedics & Rehabilitation, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, United States;3. Mechanical Engineering, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, United States;4. Laboratory for Optical and Computational Instrumentation, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, United States;5. American Family Children''s Hospital, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, United States;6. Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY, United States;7. Department of Radiology, Musculoskeletal Division, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States |
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Abstract: | ProblemChild restraints (CRs) are vital for optimizing child passenger safety and reducing the risk of pediatric injury and fatality in motor vehicle crashes. However, most CRs are installed improperly.MethodsThis present study was an assessment of observed instances of CR misuse. Participants were recruited through advertisements for CR inspection events in Los Angeles County, California. Child Passenger Safety Technicians collected information about each child passenger, vehicle, and aspects of CR selection and installation.ResultsOf 693 CRs installed upon arrival, only 3.8% were used with no instances of misuse. The most common misuses were inappropriate use of the top tether and failure to secure the seatbelt in locked mode.ConclusionsThe majority of observed CRs were installed with instances of misuse. CRs in newer vehicles were less likely to be installed in front of airbags and more likely to have the seatbelt routed inappropriately compared to those in older vehicles. Older children were more likely to be prematurely restrained in the front vehicle seat.Practical ApplicationsThe majority of CRs are installed improperly. We identified specific instances of CR misuse that are common in a large, urban community and present recommendations to improve child passenger safety practices and education. |
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