Impediments to the use of child restraints

Abstract

A focus group was conducted in June 2005 with a small group of five participants recruited at Adelaide metropolitan preschools to explore the social, educational and economic impediments preventing South Australian families from age-appropriate child restraint use. The participants had a total of five children less than seven years of age who were using an adult seatbelt. All participants considered themselves to be low income earners. The participants completed a brief pre-focus group questionnaire, covering the themes to be discussed during the focus group. Children in the booster seat age range had progressed to an adult seatbelt prematurely, however, participants endorsed the use of a booster seat at times where they perceived a high risk situation. The major reasons for premature progression to the adult seatbelt were safety (adult seatbelt was perceived as safer than the booster seat), knowledge and size of the vehicle. Further catalysts were to foster the child’s independence, the perceived maturity of the child, frustration, convenience, height and weight. Generally, the participants felt that information on child restraint use and related legislation is not readily accessible to the public. The findings are in conjunction with the results of our larger driver survey.