In Australia between 1956 and 1983 the proportion of passengers aged 0 -17 years killed in motor vehicle accidents increased from 37% to 50%. Legislation on the use of child restraints in motor vehicles was first enacted in Victoria in 1976, five years after the introduction of adult seat belt laws. By 1982 all Australian states and territories had passed legislation specific to the restraint of child passengers.

Legislation

   Children under one year must be carried in an approved child restraint that is suitable for the child’s size, and is properly fitted and adjusted. An ‘approved’ restraint is one that carries the Australian Standards mark AS 1754. The driver of the vehicle is responsible for ensuring that children are correctly restrained in appropriate child restraints or seatbelts.

   Infant deaths decreased from 1984 in NSW, when infant restraints became more stringent in design and safety. This was achieved by approval and updating of standards through the Australian Standards Committee on Child Restraints.

Outcomes

   Observational surveys by the NSW Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA) show that infant restraint use increased from 9.7% in 1984 to 73.8% in 1986. It has been estimated that the risk of a fatality has been decreased by 71% as a result of the correct use of a child safety seat in a motor vehicle. In a recent study by Dr. Michael Henderson on behalf of Kidsafe NSW the results showed that the vast majority of children involved in vehicle crashes who were restrained correctly received only trivial or minor injury. But while the study confirmed that child restraints are an effective safety device when used correctly, there are concerns about the improper installation of child restraints which lessens the effective safety benefits to children.

NSW Restraint Fitting Stations

   The RTA has established a network of Restraint Fitting Stations throughout metropolitan and country NSW. Fitting stations provide many services ranging from assistance with the installation of child restraints to vehicle modifications.

   Most Restraint Fitting Stations will have a nominal fee of $10 for a standard fitting which does not require parts. Most Fitting stations will check a restraint for free. This is helpful for people using second hand restraints for which there are no instructions. The nearest Authorised Restraint Fitting station can be located by calling the RTA on 1800 042 865.

   Further information and brochures on child restraints may be obtained from the Roads and Traffic Authority on 1800 042 865.

PREVENTION STRATEGIES:

Hire services

   Infant restraints can be hired from some local Councils, some public hospitals and privately run rental operations. The rental scheme is an initiative of the NSW Government and was introduced in 1985.

Installing a restraint

   To ensure a child restraint gives your child the highest possible level of protection in a crash:

• read and follow all instructions carefully when installing the restraint and securing your child
• where possible, install your child restraint in the centre position of your car’s back seat, except in the case of a booster seat with a lap only seat belt
• ensure that the top tether strap and the adult seat belt that keeps the restraint in position are properly adjusted - they shouldn’t have any slack or looseness
• if you have any problems fitting a child restraint telephone either the RTA on 61 02 1800 042 865 or the NRMA on 61 02 9292 9632 or have the installation done by an Authorised Restraint Fitting Station. Any further inquiries please call RTA General customer inquiries on 61 02 132213

Second hand restraints

   A second hand restraint needs to be checked for completeness, signs of wear and tear, proper operation of buckles and adjusters and whether it complies with the Australian Standard and has the Australian symbol AS1754. Those marked with the symbol E46-1970 are illegal and must not be used.

Child behaviour

   The basic principles for encouraging children to use child restraints and seatbelts are:

• state simple rules
• give the child positive rewards to shape their behaviour
• avoid the use of punishment
• never drive the car if the child is unrestrained

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