[Safety of children in cars. Safety systems, their use and misuse possibilities]

Abstract

In Denmark 11-30 children and infants are killed every year in car accidents. In this country, there is no legislation concerning children under 3 years as car passengers, in spite of the fact that child restraints have proved effective in reducing the morbidity and mortality. Legislation concerning seat belts and chairs may reduce the frequency of injury and death by at least 25% and by 50% in children under one year. Children and infants are not "small adults" and require specially designed restraints. Only 83% use safety-chairs and belts, and in 63-74% the devices are incorrectly used. This reduces the effectiveness seriously and may even, per se, injure the children. The restraint systems (baby chair, child seat, cushion, belt and seat) are described together with the correct use and the possibilities for misuse. The use of rearfacing infant chairs on the back-seat for children under 4 years of age is recommended. Prevention by further information, legislation, rental programs, reduced taxes and a new design of seats is discussed. Profylactic information concerning the correct use of child restraint devices given by the family's general practitioner, is recommended.