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

• Published in: The Gazette of the Egyptian Paediatric Association 2023-12, Vol.71 (1), p.56-8, Article 56
• Main Authors: Alsaeigh, A., Heji, ES, Alamer, W., Alsubhi, MY, Alqurashi, A., Alsulimani, LK
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Age; Automobile safety; Child restraints; Child safety seats; Children & youth; Commitment; Cross-sectional studies; CSS; Data analysis; Fatalities; Implementation; Injuries; Knowledge; Laws, regulations and rules; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Morbidity; Mortality; Pediatrics; Population; Questionnaires; Saudi; Seat belts; Surveys; Traffic; Traffic accidents & safety; Traffic regulations
• ISSN: 2090-9942; 1110-6638; 2090-9942
• DOI: 10.1186/s43054-023-00201-x

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.