A controlled evaluation of the WHO Safe Communities model approach to injury prevention: increasing child restraint use in motor vehicles

Abstract

The Safe Communities approach was successful in promoting the use of child restraints in motor vehicles through a multifaceted intervention that included efforts in various community settings, instructional classes and child safety seat distribution.

Seat belt use among car drivers in Iranian safe communities: An observational study

“…Furthermore, in Dallas (Texas), an interventional study showed that there was a significant increase in seat belt use among drivers due to the implementation of the Safe Community intervention. The Dallas study found seat belt use by drivers increased by 16% in the area in which the Safe Community intervention had been conducted, but only a 5% increase was observed in the comparison area (Istre et al, 2011).…”

The Effectiveness of Healthy Community Approaches on Positive Health Outcomes in Canada and the United States

“…There were relatively few studies identified with three studies related to Active Living Communities [40][41][42]; one each for Safe communities [43] and Smart growth [44] and two related to Age Friendly Cities [45,46]. While various study designs were employed, none were randomized controlled trials.…”

“…The review identified only one study in Texas that examined the effect of a community based intervention on the use of child restraints in motorized transport [43]. The authors found that the intervention positively influenced safety behaviors such as the use of child restraints, drivers using seat belts and children riding in the back seat.…”

Buckle Up Safely (Shoalhaven): A Process and Impact Evaluation of a Pragmatic, Multifaceted Preschool-Based Pilot Program to Increase Correct Use of Age-Appropriate Child Restraints

“…Multifaceted education-based programs (Ehiri et al 2006) including child safety seat classes for parents (Apsler et al 2003;Brixey et al 2009;Istre et al 2002;Istre et al 2011), hands-on demonstrations (Istre et al 2002;Istre et al 2011), child restraint fitting checks (Istre et al 2011), or free or subsidized restraints (Apsler et al 2003;Brixey et al 2009;Istre et al 2002Istre et al , 2011 have been shown to positively affect ageappropriate restraint use (Apsler et al 2003;Brixey et al 2009;Istre et al 2002), but none of these activities have been trialed in communities with a large proportion of Aboriginal families. Furthermore, one study trialed a multifaceted approach yet did not find a positive outcome.…”