Research Papers (2009 – 2013)

Abstract

In September 2011 the Belgian Road Safety Institute (BRSI) conducted its first roadside survey of child restraint system (CRS) use and misuse. This study was conducted in partnership with the European project CASPER. The aim of this study was to observe in real traffic conditions how children are restrained, to measure the rate of use and misuse of CRS, and to evaluate the main reasons for misuse. 1,461 children were observed and the drivers were interviewed on 80 randomly selected sites across the country and represented various types of journeys. It appears that at least 50% of the children were not correctly restrained. An analysis on ISOFIX devices shows a reduction of misuses and a specific sociological profile for drivers. Meanwhile, the European project CASPER conducted an online survey in which parents were asked about their behaviour and knowledge on child safety. The BRSI contributed to its diffusion in Belgium and analyzed the Belgian data collected. The sample included 145 children, 60% use the car daily. Generally parents are convinced that their children are correctly restrained and minimize the risks associated with misuse. Finally, 80% of parents consider children, by distracting the driver, as a potential source of accidents. Following the results and recommendations, it was a priority to better inform parents about the risks to children and to sensitize them to correctly restrain them. The BRSI adapted its communication and preventive actions as presented in the last part of this article.

Mathieu Roynard, Philippe Lesire, Véronique Herve