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Booster SeatsMotor Vehicle Passenger Injury

The Higher You Sit, The Safer the Fit: Adult seat belts don't fit children properly until they're 148cm tall, which is why it's so important for pre-school and school-aged kids to stay in an appropriate child restraint or booster seat.
 
One of the leading causes of child death due to trauma involves children as passengers in motor vehicles. From 2000-2004, 81 children in New Zealand died as passengers in a car crash, or an average of 16 child deaths a year.
 
Studies show booster seats for pre-school and school-aged kids can reduce the risk of hospitalisation and death by up to 59%. Correct installation is also important. When used correctly, child car restraints reduces the risk of death for infants by up to 70%, for toddlers by up to 54% , and the need for hospitalisation for children 4 years by up to 69% .
 
Click the links below to access injury resources, information, prevention and other information.
 
Factsheet
Resources
Media Release
 
Position Papers, Research, Bibliography and Advocacy Information
Project Plans
Presentations 
Links
For links to New Zealand and international websites relating to this injury topic, go to our links page.  
 
 
For more information on the Motor Vehicle Child Passenger Injuries campaign and how to use the resources and information available in this page, contact Campaign@safekids.org.nz. You can also contact your local Safekids Coalition Leader to find out how you can help promote child injury prevention in your community.
 
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This page was last updated Novermber 23, 2009.