Factors Influencing Child Safety Seat Misuse

Since 1976, Ontario has legislated mandatory use of vehicle restraints. However, trauma due to vehicle collisions continues to be a leading cause of death and injury in children. A survey design was used to examine parental knowledge and perceptions about safety systems for children. A biomechanical observation was conducted to document the physical and cognitive demands associated with safety restraint use. Results suggest that most children are generally seated in the correct restraint system; however transitions from forward facing car seats to booster seats and/or lap and shoulder belts were often done too early. In addition, physical demands of using safety restraints exceed most parents' ability to safety install and use safety restraints for their children.