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The use of booster cushions by children more than 3 years old is a relatively new behaviour in FRANCE. In fact, the restraint of children in systems adapted to their age and anthropometry, has only been mandatory since January 1st, 1992. The french car manufacturers have tested, during the last years, a great number of boosters in a car environment. In particular a comparative study between “simple” cushions and boosters with a back-rest -in order to satisfy parents requiring better comfort for their children- has been undertaken. On the basis of these tests, the manufacturers have made a selection for their cars, according to a certain number of criteria which will be described. It it well known that the main advantage of boosters is to be very easy of use. A complementary accidentological analysis made recently in FRANCE reveals however some problems of injuries linked to misuse of these restraint systems. Studies are in progress in order to assess consequences of these misuses.

Safety of children as car occupants raises a specific problem: it is necessary to take into account two factors which are particular to them: their very fast growth and their behavior, which corresponds to a need for movement. An analysis of statistical and accidentological data, points to the fact that whereas traffic accidents account for 25 % of adult deaths, they account for nearly 50 % of deaths for children (all kinds of road-users). Measures were adopted in France; such as the obligation for children of less than 10-years-old to travel on rear seats of cars and the definition of an homologation procedure for children restraint devices, with the aim of limiting the consequences of these accidents. The most common restraint devices look like little individual seats and are designed to protect young children (less than 3-years-old). Recently, new restraint devices, called “cushions”, were developed.