Population knowledge and commitment regarding a child’s car safety seat after implementation of the new traffic regulations in Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Objective This study aimed to evaluate the understanding and adherence to child car safety seat (CSS) guidelines among the general population in the Makkah region of Saudi Arabia following the implementation of new traffic regulations. Method A four-section questionnaire addressing knowledge and attitudes regarding CSSs was distributed among the general population of Makkah city in light of new traffic regulations. Data were collected from 487 respondents, and the chi-square test was utilized for statistical analysis. Results A total of 144 (29.6%) respondents reported using seat belts before the implementation of new regulations, while 101 (20.7%) started using them afterward. Only 31 (6.4%) stated that they would not use them. A total of 318 (65.3%) reported that their behavior towards using child car safety seats abroad will not change. Additionally, 452 (92.8%) believed that government financial support for car seat costs would increase usage and compliance. The knowledge level among those using CSSs (40.3%) was significantly higher than among those who do not (11.3%) (p = .001). Conclusions Most of the respondents believed that governmental financial support for CSS costs will lead to increased compliance. Furthermore, there is a direct correlation between knowledge levels and compliance. Therefore, further investment should be focused on raising awareness and enforcing strict regulations.

Knowledge of Healthcare Workers Regarding Road Traffic Child Safety in South Bačka District, Serbia

“…This result is probably due to the fact that HCW with underage children also learned from their own experience and likely searched for RT prevention information compared to those without kids or with older children, since in the past there were very few or no such clear recommendations and regulations for child traffic safety. A recent study from Saudi Arabia demonstrated that parents with two underage children and those with higher education had better knowledge of child car safety seat regulations ( 32 ). The same study assessed the independent predictors of good knowledge and found that only age and education were among the demographic factors significantly associated with better knowledge.…”