Child safety and booster seat use in five tribal communities, 2010-2014.

PROBLEM: Motor-vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death for American Indian/Alaska Natives (AI/AN) including AI/AN children. Child safety seats prevent injury and death among children in a motor-vehicle crash, yet use is low among AI/AN children.

METHODS: To increase the use of child safety seats (CSS; car seats and booster seats), five tribal communities implemented evidence-based strategies from the Guide to Community Preventive Services during 2010-2014. Increased CSS use was evaluated through direct observational surveys and CSS event data. CSS events are used to check the installation, use, and safety of CSS and new CSS can be provided.

RESULTS: CSS use increased in all five programs (ranging from 6% to 40%). Four out of five programs exceeded their goals for increased use. Among the five communities, a total of 91 CSS events occurred resulting in 1417 CSS checked or provided.

CONCLUSIONS AND PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Evidence-based child passenger safety interventions are both feasible in and transferable to tribal communities.