Automotive child restraint systems in northeastern Italy

To evaluate the use of automotive restraint systems among children in Northeast of Italy and to describe parental knowledge and reasons for either use or non-use.

This population survey included subjects recruited at three Vaccination Services serving approximately 24000 children aged 0-12 y. From March 8, 2002 to June 7, 2002 parents of children being vaccinated were asked to complete a self-administered structured questionnaire. A total of 1093 questionnaires were collected. Data were analysed using contingency tables, chi2 tests, and multivariable logistic regression.

Although 98% of children were restrained when riding in a car, less than 90% were using the restraint system appropriate to their body size, and 38% of parents were making some errors in the way they transported their children. Parents of children > or = 3 y of age were significantly more likely to make errors. Less than half of the respondents had ever received any information on child restraint systems and it was found that being given information significantly reduced the likelihood of parents making errors when transporting children.

Many children ride unrestrained or inappropriately restrained in cars. Parents should be provided with information on child restraint systems in order to decrease the frequency of incorrect child transportation. Special attention should be devoted to the parents of children > or = 3 y of age.