Child Safety Restraints - Research Proposal Example

CHILD SAFETY RESTRAINTS In the increasingly congested roads of today, motor vehicle crashes have emerged as a prominent cause of death and injury to children in the United States. The main reason for this has been non-use or improper use of child safety seats in vehicles. In 2002 {the first year when such information started being recorded}, child safety seat usage among children under the age of 8 in the U.S. was 88%; the figure fell to 82% in 2004 and slightly rose to 84% in 2006. Usage of child safety seats lowers the rate of deaths and physical damage to children in vehicle crashes by 50% and 70% respectively (Child Trends). I) HISTORY OF CHILD SAFETY SEATS Jean Ames of England is credited with inventing the first child safety seat in 1962. Its structure included straps that secured the padded seat against the rear passenger seat. Within the structure itself, the child was held by a Y-shaped harness that was put over the head and shoulders and then secured between the legs (NCSL). In the U.S., the first federal standard for child safety seats was incorporated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration {NHTSA} in 1971 wherein a safety strap was used to secure the child safety seat and a harness was used to secure the child within it. Soon, states passed child passenger restraint laws, the first being Tennessee in 1978, followed by Rhode Island in 1981. By 1985, all the states and the District of Columbia had child passenger restraint laws in place. The NHTSA endorsed the importance of child safety seats by conducting a study in 1986 which revealed that not only the chances of death and serious physical damage to children when child safety seats were properly used fell by 71% and 67% respectively, but also the chances of fatalities and serious injury to child passengers fell by 44% even when child safety seats were improperly used (NCSL). Passenger side airbags began to be widely used in the U.S. from 1993 onwards, but following several child fatalities, the National Transportation Safety Board {NTSB} declared in 1996 that airbags offered insufficient protection to child passengers. In 2000, the state of Washington passed the Anton Skeen Act {named after a boy aged 4 who was hurled out and killed in a car smash} which made it mandatory for older children to use child safety seats. The U.S. Congress enacted Anton’s Law in 2002 which widened the scope of safety standards to include children between 4 and 8 years of age weighing more than 50 pounds; Congress also instructed the NHTSA to adopt better federal standards for child safety seats (NCSL). II) CHILD PASSENGER FATALITIES According to NHTSA 2005 statistics, there were 1,451 fatalities and 203,000 injuries to child passengers aged 14 and below in the U.S.; among those killed, 50% were unrestrained by child safety seats (CDC). Studies conducted by the American Academy of Pediatrics reveal that as many as 91% fatalities and 78% injuries to passengers could have been averted by usage of child safety seats. Studies conducted over several years in Michigan and Washington highlighted the crucial importance of child safety seats even further by revealing a zero fatality rate among child passengers safely ensconced in child safety seats (Bruce). Statistics in states differ widely on the issue For example, in the state of Colorado the number of fatalities of child passengers below 16 years of age has been dropping each year. It was 49 in 1995, 38 in 2001, 33 in 2002, 29 in 2004 and 22 in 2005. Out of these figures, the number and percentage of fatalities of child passengers riding unrestrained too has been dropping each year. It was 34 in 1995 {86% of total fatalities}, 22 in 2001 {68% of total}, 15 in 2002 {61% of total}, 11 in 2004 {55% of total} and 7 in 2005 {41% of total} (CDOT). III) TYPES OF CHILD SAFETY SEATS Careful selection and proper use of child safety seats helps to safeguard children. There are a large number of different child safety seats in the U.S. market today. The factors governing selection are the child’s age and weight as well as the type of motor vehicle. The types of child safety seats can be classified into 3 according to the child’s age and weight: infant seats, seats for toddlers/preschoolers and seats for school-aged children (AAP). Child safety seats for infants {children below the age of one and below 20 pounds in weight} are rear-facing. There are two subdivisions in this category: infant-only seats and convertible seats (AAP) Infant-only seats Convertible seats Infant-only seats are small in size and possess lifting handles and a base {into which it clicks in and out} which remains behind in the car. Convertible seats are initially set rear-faced and then “converted” into the forward-facing position. They are heavier than infant-only seats and do not possess lifting handles or base. Convertible seats have 3 types of harnesses: the 5-point harness that is secured at the shoulders, hips and between the legs, the overhead shield that is a protective tray-shaped cover that flips down over the child and the T-shield that is a protective T-shaped shield secured to the shoulder straps (AAP). The seats for toddlers/preschoolers {children between 1 and 4 years, weighing between 20 and 40 pounds} are forward-facing (AAP}. Toddlers/Preschoolers seats Booster seats are used for school-aged children who are between 4 and 8 years of age and below 4’9” in height (AAP). School-aged children seats There are two types of booster seats: high-back and backless. Meant for children who have outgrown their forward-facing seats but are too small for adult seat belts, the structure of booster seats lifts the child up in order that the lap and shoulder belts of the seat secure the child in the right manner (AAP). IV) CHILD SAFETY SEAT LAWS According to federal child safety seat laws overseen by the NHTSA, children below the age of one and under 20 pounds in weight {infants} should be ensconced in rear-facing child safety seats; children aged between 1 and 4 and weighing between 20 and 40 pounds {toddlers/preschoolers} must be ensconced in forward-facing child safety seats; and children between the ages of 4 and 8 {school-aged children} must be ensconced in booster child safety seats (Child Trends). Each state has either the same law as the federal one or some deviant versions. For example, Colorado child safety seat laws are similar to the federal law in case of infants and toddlers/preschoolers. The booster seat law, which has been implemented in Colorado since 1 August 2003, differs with federal law regarding the child’s height {55” as compared to federal 57”} and age {6 instead of the federal 8}. In Colorado, the infant and toddlers/preschool seat belt laws are primary enforcement laws under which vehicle drivers are liable to be stopped and ticketed if there is an unrestrained or incorrectly restrained child in the vehicle; the booster seat law is a secondary enforcement law signifying that drivers need to be stopped for a different driving offense before they are issued a ticket for booster seat law violation. The minimum penalty for violation of child safety seat laws in Colorado is $ 58.80 per unrestrained child transported in non-commercial vehicles either privately owned or run by childcare organizations. Colorado residents can access the website www.carseatscolorado.com or contact the Colorado State Patrol at {303} 239-4625 or 1-877-588-8687 for information and tips about proper usage of child safety seats (Bruce). V) PRECAUTIONS WHILE USING CHILD SAFETY SEATS It must be remembered that no single child safety seat can be termed as ‘best’ or ‘safest.’ One must ensure that the seat is age/size appropriate, fits well in the vehicle and can be used easily and properly. Prices do not necessarily mean enhanced safety or easier usability (AAP). Those who are not sure should ask for a demonstration of proper use. Those who are unable to absorb the cost of a car seat should contact their local hospitals or medical society for news on child safety seat loan schemes (Bruce). Secondly, it is important to install and use the seat properly. According to a study conducted by NHTSA involving 3,500 child safety seats, 72% of them were either not installed correctly or were used improperly (CDC). In what has been dubbed as ‘tremendous consumer misunderstanding of crash dynamics’ in Colorado, sporadic checks carried out in 2006 found that more than 90% of child passengers were ensconced in incorrectly fitted child safety seats (Bruce). Instructions in the child safety seat manual as well as the vehicle owner’s manual should be carefully followed to ensure proper installation and usage. If needed, hands-on assistance could be had from certified Child Passenger Safety {CPS} technicians in the community (CDC). Thirdly, the genuineness of seats should be properly confirmed before purchase. Seats of dubious history, which look too old, have cracks or have been involved in moderate or severe crashes should not be used (AAP). It is mandatory for new seats to have labels attesting that they conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard {FMVSS} 213. It is also advisable to purchase seats manufactured after 1 January 1983 as such seats have undergone dynamic testing in simulated car crash scenarios (Bruce). Fourthly, children should not be allowed to ride in vehicles having no back seat or back seats not made to carry passengers (AAP). Child passengers should be restrained at all times even for short distance rides (CDC). If the vehicle possesses a front passenger airbag, then children traveling in rear-facing seats should invariably ride in the back seat of the vehicle because if there is even a minor crash, the air bag can inflate, hit the safety seat and result in death or dangerous brain and neck injuries to child passengers (AAP). Fifthly, adults should not believe in misleading myths such as one can safely carry children on laps while traveling in vehicles, a lap belt put around an adult and child ensures safety of both of them, child safety seats are useful only on lengthy highway journeys, and children can be killed by fire or drowning if they are secured in child safety seats inside vehicles (Bruce). Lastly, the child safety seat registration card should be sent to the manufacturer to facilitate contacts about recalls. Information about recalls can also be obtained from the NHTSA auto safety hotline on {888} 327-4236 (CDC) or the U.S. Department of Transportation on {800} 424-9393 (Bruce). VI) CONCLUSION In modern times, the automobile has changed from being a luxury into being a necessity. Today, especially in response to declining vehicle prices, even those classified as ‘poor’ in the U.S. possess a vehicle. It is important that the surge in vehicle ownership is accompanied by enhanced consumer awareness of crash dynamics. While not detracting from the tremendous work being put in by federal and state transport authorities, it is crucially important for individual citizens to take their own typical precautions to ensure that they and the child passengers in their vehicles reach their destinations safely. VII) REFERENCES Bruce A. “Child Restraint in Automobiles.” Colorado State University. 2006. 30 May 2008. “Car Safety Seats: A Guide for Families 2008.” American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). 2008. 30 May 2008. “Child Passenger Traffic Fatalities in Colorado under Age 16 (1995-2005).” Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT). 2006. 30 May 2008. “The Evolution of Child Safety Belts.” National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL). 2008. 30 May 2008. “National Child Passenger Safety Week, September 16-22, 2007.” Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC). 2007. 30 May 2008. “Seat Belt Use and Child Safety Seat.” Child Trends. 2007. 30 May 2008. Outline Child Safety Restraints I. Introduction A. Vehicle crashes are a prominent cause of death and injury to children in the U.S. B. Usage of child car seats significantly lowers the rate of death and physical damage to child passengers. II. History of Child Safety Seats A. Englishman Jean Ames invented the child car seat in 1962. B. Child car seats are introduced into the U.S. 1. First federal standard incorporated by NHTSA in 1971. 2. By 1985 all states and Colombia had restraint laws in place. 3. Passenger airbags declared unsafe for child passengers in 1996. 4. Washington passes Anton Skeen Act in 2000. 5. Congress passes Anton’s Law in 2002. III. Child Passenger Fatalities A. In 2005 there were 1,451 deaths and 203,000 injuries to child passengers in the U.S. B. Fatality statistics vary from state to state. For example in Colorado fatalities has been dropping each year from 49 (1995) to 22 (2005). IV. Types of Child Safety Seats A. There are 3 types. 1. Infant seats are rear-facing. Can be infant-only or convertible. 2. Seats for toddlers/preschoolers are forward-facing. 3. Seats for school-aged children are high-back or backless booster seats. V. Safety Seat Laws A. Federal laws lay down age/weight of children who should use rear-facing, front-facing or booster seats. B. Laws in states may be the same or different from federal laws. For example Colorado laws match federal laws in first 2 categories but differ in booster seat category VI. Precautions while Using Child Safety Seats A. Precautions are important to prevent fatality or injury to children. 1. Seats should be age/size appropriate and vehicle suitable. 2. Seats should be installed correctly. 3. Only genuine seats should be used. 4. Child passengers should be strictly supervised. 5. Misleading myths should not be believed. 6. Car seat recall information is always handy. VII. Conclusion A. Nearly ever family in the U.S. possesses a car today. B. Surge in vehicle ownership should be accompanied by enhanced consumer awareness of crash dynamics. ROUGH DRAFT Vehicle crashes are prominent cause of fatality and injury to children in the U.S. - main reason non-use or misuse of child safety seats – seat usage fell from 88% in 2002 to 82% in 2004 but rose to 84% in 2006 - proper usage of car safety seats can drastically reduce death and injury to children. 1. History of Child Safety Seats Invented by Englishman John Ames in 1962 – introduced to U.S. in 1971 by NHTSA – incorporated by Tennessee (1978), Rhode Island (1981) and other states and District of Columbia (1985) – NHTSA conducts study in 1986 revealing seat usage reduced death and injury by 71% and 67% respectively – passenger airbags introduced in 1993 but declared unsafe for child passengers by NTSB in 1996 – Anton Skeen Act passed by Washington in 2000 – Anton’s Law passed by Congress in 2002; Congress also instructs NHTSA to adopt better federal standards. 2. Child Passenger Fatalities 1,451 deaths and 203,000 injuries to child passengers in U.S. during 2005 – state statistics vary – for example Colorado statistics show yearly reduction in child passenger fatalities from 49 (1995) to 38 (2001) to 33 (2002) to 29 (2004) to 22 (2005) - Colorado statistics also show yearly reduction in unrestrained fatalities from 34 (1995) to 22 (2001) to 15 (2002) to 11 (2004) to 7 (2005). 3. Types of Child Safety Seats Infant seats (infant-only or convertible) are rear-facing for children aged below 1 and weighing below 20 pounds – seats for toddlers/preschoolers are forward-facing for children aged between 1 and 4 and weighing between 20 to 40 pounds – seats for school-aged children aged between 4 and 8 and below 4’9” in height are high-back or backless booster seats. 4. Child Safety Laws Federal law states age/weight of children who should use rear-facing (infants), front-facing (toddlers/preschoolers) or booster seats (school-age children) – laws in states vary, may or may not be same as federal law – for example, Colorado laws match federal laws in first 2 categories - differ in booster seat group in height of child (55” against federal 57”) and age (6 against federal 8) – also, infant and toddler/preschooler seat laws are primary enforcement but booster seat laws are secondary enforcement – Colorado residents can access websites or certain telephone numbers for more information. 5. Precautions while Using Child Safety Seats Seats should be age/size appropriate and must properly fit in vehicle; those unsure can ask for demonstration – installation must be correctly done as per instruction manuals or with help of CPS technicians – only genuine seats should be used, purchased after 1.1.1983, and matching to FMVSS 213; dubious, old, cracked or crash-involved seats should be avoided – child passengers should be strictly supervised even for short distance drives, put in rear-facing seats if vehicle has front passenger airbag – misleading myths must be disbelieved – seat recall information is handy, hence seat registration card should be sent to manufacturer; recall information is also accessible via certain hotline telephone numbers. 6. Conclusion Automobiles have changed from luxuries to necessities – main reason is decline in vehicle prices - nearly every family in U.S. has a car today – surge in vehicle ownership should be accompanied by enhanced consumer awareness of crash dynamics in order to keep child passengers safe. Read More