A study of students’ use of restraint systems in school transportation services in primary and secondary schools in northern Iran: an observational study

Yousefzade-Chabok, Shahrokh; Azari, Samira; Kouchakinejad-Eramsadati, Leila; Rad, Enayatollah Homaie; Hosseinnia, Marjan; Khodadadi-Hassankiadeh, Naema · 2021 · DOAJ

DOI: 10.1186/s12887-021-03048-6

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Summary

This observational study addresses the critical issue of child passenger safety in school transportation, specifically examining the prevalence of restraint system use among students in northern Iran. Motivated by traffic accidents being a leading cause of death and severe injury among children, the research aimed to quantify seatbelt usage rates and identify associated demographic and vehicular factors. The study highlights the disparity between the known safety benefits of restraints and the low compliance rates observed in developing regions, where enforcement and awareness are often lacking. The researchers conducted a cross-sectional observational study in Rasht, Iran, observing 400 students aged 7 to 15 years traveling to primary and secondary schools. Data collection occurred during morning and evening school hours at school entrances, where trained observers recorded variables using a standardized checklist. The study included students in both private vehicles (sedans, SUVs, taxis) and public transport (vans, school buses). Observers recorded driver demographics (age, sex), vehicle characteristics (type, age), student seating position, and restraint status. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 21, employing binary logistic regression to determine the relationship between various factors and restraint use. The results revealed an alarmingly low rate of restraint use among students, with only 11.3% utilizing seatbelts or other restraint systems. Notably, zero students used booster seats. Restraint use was significantly higher in Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) and in areas with medium or low income compared to high-income areas. Conversely, students sitting in rear seats were significantly less likely to use restraints than those in front seats. Regarding drivers, seatbelt use was significantly lower among drivers over 40 years old and those operating taxis, call taxis, or vans. However, drivers of newer vehicles and female drivers were significantly more likely to wear seatbelts. While driver seatbelt use was approximately 50%, it remained substantially higher than student compliance. The study concludes that school authorities must enforce traffic safety rules and mandate restraint use for all students, regardless of transport mode. The authors recommend equipping buses with seatbelts and employing assistants to monitor compliance and prevent unsafe behaviors like standing. They emphasize the need for targeted education for drivers, families, and students, particularly regarding the use of booster seats for younger children. The findings underscore the urgent need for stricter enforcement and infrastructure improvements to mitigate the high risk of traffic injuries among school-aged children in Iran.

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Topics

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• seat belt use
• child passenger safety

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• Empirical Findings: observational prevalence