Infant and child passenger restraint systems: the role of pediatric dentistry.

Protecting children in motor vehicles with safety seats and seat belts has become a national priority. Since the first child restraint legislation enacted by Tennessee in 1978, 49 states have adopted similar requirements.l Mandatory child restraint laws are a practical approach to reducing injuries and deaths caused by motor vehicle accidents, the leading cause of death and injury to young children.’ The proper use of child restraint systems has been estimated to be 90% effective in preventing deaths and 80% effective in preventing injuries to young children.2 Legislation alone, however, will not produce the desired reductions in deaths and injuries to children. Continuous education from health professionals is essential if the public is to remain aware of the importance of using safety seats and safety belts. In 1983, 1984 children younger than 16 were killed3 and approximately 217,000 children younger than 16 were injured4 in automobile accidents on our nation’s highways. Studies have found that, even when safety seats are used, 3 of 4 children are not placed in them p r ~ p e r l y ; ~ , ~ laboratory tests show that misuse significantly compromises the protection of a child.7 Parents must understand the resources available to them, the importance of correct use of restraint devices, and the considerations for selecting a safety seat which meets their needs. Also, parents must be encouraged to practice safety belt use for themselves and older children. Pediatric dentists can be important resources to patients on the consistent and proper use of car safety seats and safety belts for children. In an informal resource capacity, the pediatric dentist can suggest safe travel in the car as an essential health practice and a preventative measure against craniofacial or dental trauma. To provide useful information to the patient, the pediatric dentist should be aware of the types of restraint devices for infants and toddlers, basic considerations for selecting a safety seat, and resources available for patient education.