Citation

Langley JD, Cecchi JC, Silva PA, Appleton I. N. Zeal. Med. J. 1988; 101(841): 119-121.

Affiliation

Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health and Research Unit.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1988, New Zealand Medical Association)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

3380450

Abstract

Knowledge of and attitudes to seat belt laws and the perception of risk were examined in a cohort of 1139 children and their parents. Seven hundred and thirty questionnaires were obtained from interviewing a sample of 13-year-olds and 805 questionnaires were obtained by mail from the parents. Most children (98%) and parents (99%) had correct knowledge of the law relating to the front seat. Fewer children (77%) and parents (80%) gave the correct response for the rear seat. Nearly all children (96%) and parents (99%) correctly identified the front seat unbelted as the most dangerous combination, but only 72% of children and 70% of parents identified the safest place to travel. There was parental support for a law requiring owners to fit rear seat belts and for a law requiring children of all ages to be restrained.