Factors associated with the premature graduation of children into seatbelts

This study investigated the factors associated with the premature graduation into seatbelts for Australian children aged 4-11 years. From 699 child restraint use questionnaires, 195 children were identified as meeting the booster seat height-weight criteria (height: 100-145 cm and weight: 14-26 kg). Of these children, 44% were correctly traveling in a booster seat, while 56% had been moved prematurely into a seatbelt. A multivariable logistic regression model showed that there were a number of key predictors associated with the premature graduation to seatbelts. For example, children who were moved prematurely into a seatbelt were more likely to be older, have other children travelling in the vehicle and have younger parents compared to children appropriately restrained in a booster seat. In addition, there was a significant interaction between vehicle type and parent's household income. Based on the findings of this study, a number of recommendations are made for strategies to enhance appropriate restraint use for this age group, as well as for future research.