Child Passenger Safety: An Evidence-Based Review

Level 1

1. Child restraint and restraint systems reduce injury and injury severity in all ages reported and are recommended for use.
   1. The highest reductions come from age appropriate, properly used restraints, as per the American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines on selection and use of car safety seats.

Please note that these recommendations rose to Level 1 standards based on the preponderance of available literature, including well-done Class II data, that supports the age-appropriate use of child restraints and restraint systems as successful in the reduction of morbidity and mortality.

Level 2

1. Rear seat position reduces injury at all ages studied and is recommended especially for those less than or equal to 12 years of age.
2. Airbags can cause injury and/or death to children less than or equal to 12 years of age and thus seating position with exposure to airbags should be avoided in that age range.
3. Child restraint laws help reduce injury and mortality and increase compliance with restraint use.

Level 3