A survey among guardians on child restraint system (crs) usage in central peninsular Malaysia

ABSTRACT

Children are much more likely than adults to get serious injuries in car crashes due to their softer bones, weaker neck muscle and fragile bodies. Child restraint system (CRS) can help in reduce injury and prevent fatality in the event of a crash. Thus the aim of this paper is to gauge the prevalence of CRS usage among guardians of children age below 11 years old. A survey to addressed guardians knowledge on CRS usage, practice and their views on fitting child restraints system to their vehicles were carried out among parents and carers who are caring children aged 11 years old and below. Seventy-four percent (74%) out of 500 respondents cited they have used CRS, however only 40% of them is currently using CRS with their children. Respondent in Kuala Lumpur and younger guardians reported twice likely to use CRS. In addition, graduate respondents are 1.5 times more likely to use CRS for their children. In conclusion, high incorrect usage rate and understanding of the CRS could promote additional injury towards the children in a car crash. Many initiatives could be introduced before the implementation of the CRS law in Malaysia such as awareness, community-based programs and CRS clinics that aim to guide guardians on the correct and effective way of installing the CRS device in their car