Citation

Fitzharris MP, Charlton J, Bohensky M, Koppel SN, Fildes BN. Med. J. Aust. 2008; 188(6): 328-331.

Affiliation

Critical Care and Trauma, The George Institute for International Health, Sydney, NSW, Australia. mfitzharris@george.org.au

Copyright

(Copyright © 2008, Australian Medical Association, Publisher Australasian Medical Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

18341454

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To examine the relationship between child weight and vehicle booster seat usage in the context of current Australasian booster seat standards. DESIGN, SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: Questionnaire survey conducted between February and April 2005. A convenience sample of parents with children aged 4-11 years in New South Wales and Victoria completed a questionnaire, reporting on the height and weight of their children and the nature of restraint devices used in the family vehicle. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Proportion of children meeting standard-specified weight and height criteria who are not restrained in booster seats; proportion of children who meet the specified height criteria but whose weight exceeds the specified weight. RESULTS: 699 of 3959 questionnaires were returned (response rate, 18%), of which seven lacked essential details. The remaining 692 responses provided information on 1500 children. Of these children, 633 aged 4-11 years fell within the recommended height range for using booster seats, but only 29% were typically restrained in booster seats, the majority (70%) being restrained in normal seatbelts. A key finding was that 37% of the children who met the recommended height criteria exceeded the maximum weight for booster seats stipulated by the current Australasian safety standard. CONCLUSION: In view of increasing rates of overweight and obesity in children, it is important to reassess current Australasian standards for child restraints in vehicles. A concerted parental education campaign is also needed to raise awareness of which restraint types are appropriate for children of various heights and weights.

Language: en