A bivariate probit analysis of child passenger's sitting behaviour and restraint use in motor vehicle

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Transportation Safety
• Pediatric Injury Prevention

Background:

• Motor vehicle injuries are a major global cause of child mortality.
• Appropriate restraint systems (car seats, booster seats, seat belts) and seating positions significantly reduce child passenger injuries and fatalities.
• Understanding factors influencing child passenger behavior is crucial for developing effective safety interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate child passenger sitting behavior and restraint use in Kumasi, Ghana.
• To identify factors influencing child passengers' seating position and restraint usage.
• To explore the interrelationship between sitting position and restraint use.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional observational surveys were conducted with child passengers.
• A bivariate probit model was employed to simultaneously analyze factors affecting sitting behavior and restraint use.
• Data collected included vehicle type, driver demographics, passenger details, and time of observation.

Main Results:

• 26% of child passengers were observed in the front seat.
• The prevalence of restraint use among child passengers was low at 4.5%.
• Vehicle type, driver's gender, driver's seat belt use, child's age, and presence of other passengers significantly influenced both sitting position and restraint use.

Conclusions:

• A significant interrelationship exists between child passenger sitting position and restraint use.
• Factors such as time of day and day of the week influenced sitting behavior but not restraint use.
• Findings underscore the need for targeted policies and interventions to promote safer seating positions and increase restraint use among child passengers in Ghana.