Factors Affecting Consumer Usage and Acceptance of Child Restraints

NHTSA - Behavioral Safety Researchhttps://doi.org/10.21949/15251621983PDFResearch PaperCunningham, Jo LynnJozwiak, WilmaPhilpot, John W.University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Center for Transportation ResearchUnited States. National Highway Traffic Safety AdministrationUnited States. National Highway Traffic Safety AdministrationUnited StatesChild restraint systemsConsumersDesignEducationData collectionDOT-HS-806-543NTIS-PB84240977DTNH-22-81-C-07083Final reportThis study was designed to focus on two factors with potential relevance to the child restraint device (CRD) usage problem: CRD design and directions for use; problems of initial users and repeated users were targeted for consideration. Ultimate objectives were to develop recommendations for educational programming designed to improve proper CRD usage, for improving manufacturers' instructions for CRD use, and for improving CRD design. Observational and self-report measures were used to collect data for the study. Both quantitative and qualitative analyses of data were conducted. A wide range of success rates for CRD installation were noted, both in relation to type of CRD and CRD component. In general, lowest success rates for CRD installation were found for CRDs with tether straps and those with more complex designs. Little systematic variation was noted in relation to type of instructions. Many positive and negative comments about CRD design were noted. Two panels of professionals were organized to review study results and make recommendations. One panel, composed of engineers, was focused on improving CRD design for facilitating consumer acceptance and usage. The other panel, composed of educators, was focused on improving instructions and other means of providing usage information to consumers. /Abstract from report summary page/129