NSW Special Minister of State, John Della Bosca, today announced theresults of new research which shows an alarming number of children arebeing put at risk through the improper use of seat belts and childrestraints.
The research, undertaken by the Prince of Wales Medical ResearchInstitute with the Children's Hospital at Westmead and the SydneyChildren's Hospital, examined crash and injury data for children aged2-8 years who were in motor vehicle accidents.
"Our research project reveals 82 per cent of children in ourstudy who were hospitalised after a crash were not using the bestrestraint for their size," said the Institute's A/Professor LynneBilston.
"It also shows children are graduating to seatbelts before theyare ready -- and this is increasing their risk of serious injury."
Researchers found that children who were correctly using themost 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 childpassengers. Choosing and correctly using the restraint designed foryour child's size ensures they have the best available protection inthe event of a crash," said A/Professor Bilston.
According to Roads and Traffic Authority road crash data, in2004 there were 208 casualties among car passengers aged four years oryounger. 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
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