Children in cars. Results of an observational study in New Zealand.

If children under the age of 14 years were adequately restrained while travelling in cars, many deaths and injuries could be prevented. Seventeen thousand, one hundred and fifty-five children under 14 years of age were observed in cars. Only 20 percent overall were appropriately restrained. A breakdown into different age groups showed that the percentage of children who were adequately restrained varied with ages: less than six months 54 percent; six months-four years 18 percent; five-seven years 9.5 percent; 8--14 years 45 percent. Thirty-two percent of infants less than six months of age were travelling on their parents' knees in the front. Overall, 31 percent of the children were travelling in the front seat. Some recommendations are made and the preventive role of the health professional in this area is examined.