April 4, 2000

Children are far more likely to be injured in car accidents when they ride in the front seat. According to a new Utah study, they're particularly at risk when they're not using seat belts or safety seats.

But parents don't seem to be paying attention to the warnings. News Specialist Shelley Osterloh has details.

Janet Brooks is a car seat installation specialist for Primary Children's Hospital. She says about 90% of cars seats are installed wrong. She advises parents to read car seat instructions, but still have an expert check to see it's done properly.

Janet Brooks/"Hold On to Dear Life," Primary Children's Hospital: THERE ARE OVER A HUNDRED KINDS OF CARSEATS, OVER 500 CAR SEATBELT SYSTEMS. YOU WOULD THINK YOU COULD GO OUT AND PUT THE CAR SEAT IN, BUT IT JUST DOESN'T HAPPEN.

The Harrisions are expecting a baby this week.

Kae Harrison/Expectant Mom: IT JUST SCARES ME TO THINK THAT I COULD GET IN A CAR ACCIDENT AND MY BABY WON'T BE SAFE.

But the Harrisons are apparently in the minority. A new Utah study of car accidents and kids shows only about 40% of parents restrain their children in the car properly.

That troubles critical care doctor Marc Berg who cares for injured kids.

Marc Berg M.D./Primary Children's Hospital: HERE YOU HAVE A SITUATION WHERE WE KNOW SOMETHING THAT IS AVAILABLE IN EVERY CAR, A LAP BELT AND SHOULDER HARNESS IS VERY EFFECTIVE IN ACCIDENTS. YET FEWER THAN HALF THE PEOPLE ARE USING THAT FOR THEIR CHILDREN.

Dr. Berg teamed up with other doctors and researchers to study 5,751 Utah children under age 14 who were involved in serious vehicle accidents from 1992 through '96.

They found children who are in restraints --seat belts or safety seats - are nearly 3 times more likely not to be injured or killed than those who are unrestrained.

And, children are nearly 2 times more likely to be seriously injured or killed when they are in the front seat rather than the back seat.

Shelley Osterloh, Eyewitness News: THE 2000 LEGISLATURE HAS BEEFED UP SEAT BELT LAWS. STARTING NEXT MONTH, UTAH LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS CAN STOP AND CITE DRIVERS IF ANYONE 18 AND UNDER IN THE CAR IS NOT WEARING A SEATBELT. THE OLD LAW REQUIRED RESTRAINTS FOR CHILDREN TEN AND UNDER.

The new law may help, but doctors say the responsiblity remains with parents.

There are nearly two dozen agencies that do car seat installation checks across the state. If you'd like more information, call Primary Children's Medical Center at 801-588-CARS.