Child restraint advice and fitting service in Queensland

Abstract

For many years, the RACQ has assisted thousands of members/ non-members with child restraint sales and advice; and conducted seat belt/child restraint wearing rate surveys for Queensland. This study aimed to expand on previous research about the use of child safety restraints in Queensland. Stakeholder interviews were conducted involving experts in child restraints/safety areas. Attitudinal and observation surveys were developed and undertaken to gauge the level of community awareness, understanding and use of infant/child restraints across the state.
Major findings included:
- around one-third of the restraints were deemed to be unsuitable for the child's height and weight;
- parents/carers think it is easy to install child restraints, yet do so poorly;
- 10% of children observed were not restrained while travelling in the vehicle; and
- parents/carers need better information about restraint selection, installation and use.