Australian and New Zealand Harness and Vest Survey (ChareS Study)

Background

• Children with disabilities and medical conditions often are not able to travel in regular child restraint systems.
• Specialty harnesses and vests have been designed in response to motor vehicle transport needs for children with medical conditions, however, Australian standards do not cater for the harnesses and vests as most are manufactured overseas and there is a lack of research regarding their design, construction, and safety performance.

Aims

• The study aims to understand access to, and the use of specialty harnesses and vests used by children with disabilities and medical conditions when travelling in motor vehicles in Australia and New Zealand.
• The results will assist in the development of guidance and standards for the adoption and use of harnesses and vests in Australia and New Zealand.

Eligibility Criteria

The research study is looking to recruit people who meet the following criteria:

• Are you aged 18 years or over?
• Are you the parent or carer of a child (under 16 years) who currently uses a specialty harness or a vest while travelling in a motor vehicle? (You can click here to view some images of specialty harnesses/vests.)
• If you answered ‘Yes’ to both of the above questions, we would love for you to take part in our study.

Method

• If you decide to participate, you can click the purple button below which directs you to the Australian and New Zealand Harness and Vest Survey. The online survey will take approximately 20 minutes to complete.
• The online survey will ask questions to help us understand why parents/carers are using harnesses/vests, why specific products are being selected for use, and what factors influence the choices being made by parents/carers in different travel situations.

You can read the full Participant Information Statement and Consent Form on this page.

Do I have to take part in the study?

No, participation in this research study is voluntary. If you do not want to take part, you do not have to. If you decide to take part and later change your mind, you are free to withdraw from the study at any stage.

Potential Impact

• This study will provide an understanding of harness/vest use and access, which will help develop evidence-based resources, recommendations, guidance, policies, and standards for the safe use of harnesses and vests in motor vehicles in Australia and New Zealand.
• customer enquiries about harnesses and vests, improving road safety outcomes for children with disabilities and medical conditions, and ensuring the rights of children with disabilities and medical conditions to safe transport are met.

Fast Facts

• Road trauma is the leading cause of child mortality and morbidity in Australia, costing the health system over $500 million per annum.
• Specialty harnesses and vests are the most commonly prescribed equipment by health professionals (68%), followed by special purpose child restraints (63%) and Australian standard (off-the-shelf) child restraints (60%).

I have questions about the study. Who do I speak to?

Please get in touch with a member of our research team through one of the following ways:

1. Call a member of our research team on +61 2 8052 4828
2. Email CarSafety@georgeinstitute.org.au
3. Contact A/Prof Julie Brown (Chief Investigator) on +61 2 8052 4420 or jbrown@georgeinstitute.org.au

Take the Australian and New Zealand Harness and Vest Survey