The Effect of Correct Child Restraint Cross-Chest Clip Use On Injury Outcomes In Motor Vehicle Crashes

While correctly used age-appropriate child restraints offer excellent protection to young children in crashes, misuse of shoulder harness straps is common. Australian regulations discourage the use of cross-chest clips on harnesses that can assist in keeping shoulder straps in place, due to concerns about potential neck injury from the clips. This study used the US NASS-CDS database to examine the relationship between cross chest clip use and injury outcomes. For all children aged 0-4 years, correct chest clip use was associated with decreased AIS2+ injury, but it was not associated with neck injury. However, outcomes varied by age.