Child restraint misuse and injury outcomes observed in at-scene in-depth crash investigations in South Australia

Twenty-three children aged 0-7 who were legally required to be in a child restraint were involved in accidents investigated as part of CASR’s at-scene in-depth crash investigations between late 2014 and 2018. Correctness of child restraint use, injury outcomes and crash severity (Delta-V) were determined. Thirteen (57%) of these children were confirmed to be in an age appropriate restraint that had the top tether attached (if required). Three (13%) were in age inappropriate restraints. Six (26%) were in restraints without the top tether attached to the anchor. In a high Delta-V crash, the injuries were much more severe for a child in an untethered restraint compared to a tethered restraint.