In the USA, the rate of vehicle occupant deaths for children 1–3 years old has decreased by over 50% in the last 30 years1 largely due to increased use of child restraint systems. Despite these impressive declines, however, motor vehicle crashes remain the leading cause of death for children 1–4 years of age.2
Although current child restraint systems have been shown to be effective, further reductions in child passenger injuries may be achieved by improving car seat features and designs. In particular, the orientation of car seats (rear facing or forward facing) probably plays a significant role in car seat effectiveness. By supporting the entire posterior torso, neck, head, and pelvis, a rear‐facing car seat (RFCS) distributes crash forces
Although current child restraint systems have been shown to be effective, further reductions in child passenger injuries may be achieved by improving car seat features and designs. In particular, the orientation of car seats (rear facing or forward facing) probably plays a significant role in car seat effectiveness. By supporting the entire posterior torso, neck, head, and pelvis, a rear‐facing car seat (RFCS) distributes crash forces