Physician knowledge and clinical behavior regarding automobile safety for children.

A mail survey was conducted in May 1983 of pediatricians and family and general practitioners in San Antonio, TX, to assess their influence on automobile safety of patients. Information on sociodemographic data and personal and professional behavior with respect to automobile safety for children was elicited. A 17-item knowledge index was significantly correlated with physician's own use of seat belts, number of children less than 5 years old, exposure to use of child restraints during residency, clinical behavior (asking about use of child restraints during the first and subsequent well-child visits, instructing parents about automobile safety for children, dispensing literature in the office), being a pediatrician, and being Board certified. Knowledge was inversely correlated with physician's age. Education of parents by physicians about automobile safety for children was infrequent. Only 29% of physicians always or usually ask at the first well-child visit if child restraints are being used. Only 8% of physicians received training during their residencies; this points to a need for educating physicians in automobile safety for children.