New research on child seats in cars shocks: One in every two children is secured incorrectly!

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Car seats are to children what seat belts are to adults. If it is missing, children are three times more likely to be seriously or fatally injured in an accident. In Switzerland, child seats are mandatory up to the age of 12 or up to a height of 150 cm. If one of the criteria is met, the child can be restrained with the car belt.

In a new survey, the Accident Prevention Advisory Center (BFU) and TCS examined whether and how child seats are used in cars. The result: One in every two children is improperly restrained in the car. Errors range from choosing the wrong child seat to incorrect installation in the vehicle to incorrect belt orientation when restraining the child. Cases of serious misuse, e.g. B. Neck contact with the belt occurs in one in every three children. Although it was prohibited, in 3% of cases children were transported in the car even without a child seat.

Provide information on correct installation

Most parents and caregivers choose the right child seat, especially for young children up to 6 years old (93%). However, one in four children makes a mistake when installing a child seat for young children, and even one in three children makes a mistake when placing a child in a child seat. In general, more errors occur with child seats for older children, such as booster seats, than with child seats for younger children. The most common problem with booster seats is incorrect belt orientation; For example, the height of the belt is adjusted incorrectly or it is bent.

Protect child seats – but only if they are used correctly. Therefore, BFU and TCS recommend that you seek advice from a specialist shop not only about the type of child seat but also about its correct installation and that you always read the instructions for use. BFU writes this in a statement.

Data collected from approximately 1000 children

Child seats should be installed as safely as possible, ideally with an “Isofix” installation: This is the plug-in connection between the car and the child seat. This device has been mandatory for new cars since 2014 and many older vehicles can be retrofitted.

The survey was conducted in eight different locations between April and July 2023, for a total of 53 survey days. Trained personnel questioned vehicle drivers and made technical investigations regarding misuse. A total of 1,431 vehicle drivers were reached. 672 drivers (47%) participated in the survey. A total of data was collected from 982 children who would need a child seat. The study was carried out by Planar AG für Raumentwicklung, Zurich, on behalf of the BFU. Touring Club Switzerland (TCS) supported the project with its expertise in child protection systems in developing the methodology and conducting the survey. (No)

Source: Blick