The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #60891

Christopher M. Kippes, MS¹, Joyce C. Arpilleda, MD², Heather A. Pierce, LSW¹, Claire L. Boettler, RN, BSN¹, and Michael L. Macknin, MD³. (1) Division of Community Health Services, Cuyahoga County Board of Health, 1375 Euclid Ave, Suite 522, Cleveland, OH 44115, (216)263-4610, ckippes@ccbh.net, (2) Rainbow Babies & Children's Hospital; and Case Western Reserve University, 11100 Euclid Ave, M/S MTH 6097, Cleveland, OH 44106, (3) Department of General Pediatrics, The Children's Hospital at The Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Ave, Desk A-120, Cleveland, OH 44195

Introduction: It has been well established that when car safety restraints are not used or do not fit passengers properly, more injury can result. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends that young children over forty pounds and less than 4'9" (approximately between the ages of 4 and 7 years) be restrained in booster seats while traveling in vehicles. Ohio law only mandates restraint use for children under age four years and forty pounds. Thus, the current law does not promote proper restraint use.

Objective: To assess car restraint use in children ages 4 to 7 years.

Methods: A random sample telephone survey was completed for 800 respondents living in Cuyahoga County (Cleveland, Ohio.) Additionally, observational surveys were conducted in Cuyahoga and Lucas (Toledo, Ohio) counties between July and September 2002.

Results: Parents reported that 40% of children ages 4 to 7 years always ride in booster seats, 43% always ride in seat belts, and 17% were not always restrained. Booster seat usage was observed to be even lower, Cuyahoga (21%) and Lucas (15%) counties. We observed an additional 50-60% that were restrained by seat belts alone.

Conclusions: Between 15% (observed) and 40% (reported) of children four to seven years old ride in proper restraints per NHTSA recommendations. Additionally, approximately half of this age group is restrained by seat belts alone. To significantly reduce the number of injuries and severity of injuries that can result from lack of and improper use of car restraints, legislation must reflect NHTSA recommendations.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe passenger safety restraint usage among children ages 4 to 7 years.
• Identify the proper type of passenger safety restraint that is recommended in children 4 to 7 years.

Keywords: Injury Prevention, Public Health Education

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.