Child safety in cars

doi:10.1136/bmj.39048.685787.80

BMJ 2006;333:1183-1184 (9 December), doi:10.1136/bmj.39048.685787.80

Editorials

Child safety in cars

Good practice is now reinforced by new legislation

The first 150 words of the full text of this article appear below.

In 2005 in the United Kingdom, 24 children agedunder 10 years were killed while travelling in cars and a further226 were admitted to hospital.¹ The numbers of injured childrenwho were wearing baby and child restraints or seat belts werenot given, but such devices are known to be effective in reducingthe severity of injury.² ³ ⁴ When used properly, child passenger restraints reduce injuryby 90-95% for rear facing systems and 60% for forward facingsystems compared with not using a restraint.⁵

On 18 September 2006 the law on carrying babiesand children in cars, vans, and goods vehicles in the UK changedto correspond with the rest of the European Union. Limited useof child restraints and seat belts in cars in the UK has beenrequired by law since 1983 in the front seat and 1989 in therear seat. However, the UK adopted a minimalist . . . [Full text of this article]

Michael Hayes

¹ Child Accident Prevention Trust, London EC1R 3AJ

mike.hayes@capt.org.uk

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