September 2005

Children being put at risk by improper seat belt use

NSW Special Minister of State, John Della Bosca, today announced the results of new research which shows an alarming number of children are being put at risk through the improper use of seat belts and child restraints.

The research, undertaken by the Prince of Wales Medical Research Institute with the Children's Hospital at Westmead and the Sydney Children's Hospital, examined crash and injury data for children aged 2-8 years who were in motor vehicle accidents.

"Our research project reveals 82 per cent of children in our study who were hospitalised after a crash were not using the best restraint for their size," said the Institute's A/Professor Lynne Bilston.

"It also shows children are graduating to seatbelts before they are ready � and this is increasing their risk of serious injury."

Researchers found that children who were correctly using the most appropriate restraint for their size were very well protected - even in severe crashes.

For passengers aged four years and under, the research reveals:

Other research findings include:

"Child restraints are designed to provide protection to child passengers. Choosing and correctly using the restraint designed for your child's size ensures they have the best available protection in the event of a crash," said A/Professor Bilston.

According to Roads and Traffic Authority road crash data, in 2004 there were 208 casualties among car passengers aged four years or younger. This includes seven deaths and 201 injuries.

Helpful information can also be found on the Prince of Wales Medical Research Institute website: www.powmri.edu.au/research/injury/road/children.htm

Full details of the research study are available on the website of the Motor Accidents Authority at: http://www.maa.nsw.gov.au/getfile.aspx?Type=document&ID=3289&ObjectType=3&ObjectID=597

Media contact:
Anne Graham: 61-293-991-077; Mobile: 0411-783-027 or Email [email protected]