How children travel in cars in New Zealand.

Two years ago a nationwide observation survey of children (0-14 years) in cars demonstrated that only 20 percent were appropriately restrained. Parent education material was prepared and the law was altered so that children over eight years of age were required to use a seat belt. A repeat observation study was undertaken to determine what effect, if any, these measures had produced. Altogether 21 554 children 0-14 years were observed. Twenty-five percent were appropriately restrained. The older the child, the less likely he was to be restrained. Fifty-six percent of children over eight years of age, and travelling in the front seat were wearing seat belts--unchanged from 1978. However only 23 percent of a random sample of 1000 adults correctly identified the new traffic rule. It is necessary to improve current attempts at health education. Any future legislative changes should be widely publicised.