Kid in the middle:​ a discussion of effectiveness of center rear-seat restraint systems

Padmanaban, Jeya; Mortazavi, Leila

This paper examines effectiveness of rear seat restraint systems in reducing injury in frontal and side impacts. Results indicate effectiveness varies by crash configuration and occupant age, with age being the most important factor influencing odds of fatality/serious injury to belted, rear seated occupants in frontal and side crashes. There is no significant difference between center lap and outboard lap/shoulder belts effectiveness; however, field data shows a high percentage of misuse (wearing belts improperly or using age-inappropriate belts) associated with fatalities and serious injuries. Review of NASS/CDS cases on seriously injured belted children shows belt misuse and injury patterns that might be mitigated by booster seats or proper use of adult belts.

Year

Entry

1986

Green RN, German A, Gorski ZM, Nowak ES, Tryphonopoulos JP. Improper use of occupant restraints: case studies from real-world collisions. In: 30th Annual Proceedings, Association for the Advancement of Automotive Medicine (AAAM). October 6, 1986; Montreal, QC.423-38.

1998

Braver ER, Whitfield R, Ferguson SA. Seating positions and children’s risk of dying in motor vehicle crashes. Inj Prev. 1998;4(3):181-187.

2000

Berg MD, Cook L, Corneli HM, Vernon DD, Dean JM. Effect of seating position and restraint use on injuries to children in motor vehicle crashes. Pediatrics. April 2000;105(4):831-835.

2000

Winston FK, Durbin DR, Kallan MJ, Moll EK. The danger of premature graduation to seat belts for young children. Pediatrics. 2000;105(6):1179-1183.

2003

Winston FK, Chen IG, Arbogast KB, Elliott MR, Durbin DR. Shifts in child restraint use according to child weight in the United States from 1999 to 2002. In: 47th Annual Proceedings, Association for the Advancement of Automotive Medicine (AAAM). September 22-24, 2003; Lisbon, Portugal.313-328.