Evaluation of programs designed to increase the protection of infants in cars

Abstract

Three in-hospital educational programs for postpartum women, designed to increase the crash protection of infants in cars, were evaluated in comparison to a group that received no education. The programs consisted of (1) literature, plus making infant carriers readily accessible and convenient to purchase; (2) literature, plus a personal discussion, plus making infant carriers readily accessible and convenient to purchase; and (3) literature, plus the offer of a free infant carrier. The programs increased the extent to which infant carriers were used to transport babies in cars, but had little or no effect on the key outcome measure: use of infant carriers fastened by the car seat belt so that crash protection is provided. Rates of such use were low in all groups. It is concluded that ways of providing increased crash protection to infant and child travelers in addition to use of restraint systems requiring the active, voluntary cooperation of parents must be encouraged. "Passive" (automatic) protection techniques, such as air bags and vehicle interior modifications, have great potential in this regard.