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Abstract
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Background: Motor vehicle collisions comprise a significant proportion of the injury burden in children. Extensive studies have shown that inappropriate use of child restraint systems (CRS) contributes to increased risk of injury and death. However, Australian legislation regarding CRS use is incomplete and inconsistent, and there is evidence to suggest that parents remain uninformed regarding appropriate CRS.
Objective: To review the use, and carers’ knowledge of CRS in children attending The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne.
Method: A cross-sectional prospective survey was given to parents whose children were visiting the outpatient or emergency departments.
Results: 213 surveys including 299 children were completed. 82% of children had been correctly restrained on the day of attendance, but 13% had been placed in a CRS inappropriate to their weight. Within specific age groups, up to 24% of children had been placed in a CRS designed for heavier children, including 14% of infants weighing <8 kg. 37 patients (12%) were travelling as front seat passengers, with 11% of these weighing less than the recommended <26 kg. While 38% of carers had received a Victorian Roads Corporation booklet on appropriate CRS use, comparison with the other survey respondents did not show a difference in CRS knowledge or practice.
Conclusion: Although most children are appropriately restrained, a significant proportion are not. A lack of parental knowledge regarding CRS is evident. Based on these findings, we believe that a coordinated education campaign with improved guidance for parents, and consistency and specificity in Australian CRS legislation is a necessity. |