Child Restraints System Use among Children While Travelling To Day Care Centres Kajang, Malaysia

Research has shown that restrained occupants in vehicles have lower risk of injuries when involved in crashes compared to unrestrained occupants. However, children are often seen not to be restrained when travelling in vehicles on Malaysian roads. This paper presents the results of an observational survey of child restraint system (CRS) usage, conducted in the first half of 2012, within the mukim of Kajang, a suburban sub district in the state of Selangor. Children aged 6 years and below, travelling in M1 class vehicles were observed by two trained observers at selected day care centres when they were being sent in the morning. Observation variables were children seating location, child restraints use and seat belts use by adult occupants. Of the 537 children observed, only 9.5% were using CRS. 13% of children seated in front passenger seats were restrained, compared to only 5% for those seated at the rear. 22% of children driven by belted drivers were restrained, compared to only 7% driven by unbelted drivers. 15% children were restrained by female drivers compared to only 5% when driven by male drivers. Significant factors associated with CRS use among children were seating position of children, seat belt use by drivers and female drivers. The low use of child restraint presents a challenge in reducing of crash injuries and fatalities involving children. More educational campaign for parents and guardians are necessary to instigate awareness on the importance of child restraint use.