We compared observed and reported car seat use to better understand inaccuracies in reported use. Drivers were recruited by an observer who noted restraint use of children in the vehicle. An interviewer, located some distance away, asked about restraint use. Information was collected for 226 children who were less than 4 years old or weighed less than 40 pounds. The driver reports agreed with observed restraint use for 99% of observed child safety seat users and 41% of children in boosters, seatbelts, or no restraint. However, only 84% of reports of child safety seat use agreed with the observations. Observed child safety seat use ranged from 92% of children reported to always ride in a child safety seat to 7% of children reported to seldom or never use a car seat. Child safety seat use fell from 91% among children less than three years to 29% among children 4 years or older. For children who were observed not using child safety seats, driver reports were more likely to agree with the observations for older than for younger children. Reports of drivers who used child safety seats were almost always correct, but drivers who did not restrain children in child safety seats often incorrectly reported use. The proportion of nonusers incorrectly reported as users decreased with age.
Learning Objectives: 1. Describe the quantitative relationship between observed and reported child safety seat use. 2. Describe how the above relationship is influence by age
Keywords: Motor Vehicles, Children
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.