Monday, 17 March 2025
A new Austroads report has identified valuable opportunities to improve the selection and use of specialty vehicle harnesses and vests used by children and young people with disabilities.
The research, which focuses on both Australia and New Zealand, provides a comprehensive review of the current landscape for specialty harnesses and vests. These accessory products, designed for occupants with disabilities, medical conditions and behaviours of concern, provide postural support and/or features to reduce the risk of the young person getting out of their seatbelt.
Through a combination of surveys, expert input, and product analysis, the findings suggest there is a need for improved information and guidance about the selection and use of these products to ensure that children and young people can travel safely.
“One of the key takeaways from this report is the need for new guidance to better support healthcare professionals in prescribing specialty harnesses and vests for use in motor vehicles. We aim to develop this guidance as part of our future work program,” said Michael Nieuwesteeg, Road Safety and Design Program Manager at Austroads.
“With clearer, more accessible guidance materials available to healthcare professionals and families, we can ensure that children with disabilities are safer and more comfortable while travelling.”
Emphasising the importance of further collaboration between product manufacturers and importers, health professionals, and regulators, the report calls for ongoing improvements in the regulatory framework governing the design and use of specialty harnesses and vests.
Reviewing current road safety laws and relevant standards is crucial to ensuring that safety regulations keep up with advancements in vehicle restraint technology and address the evolving needs of children and young people with disabilities.
“As the report recommends, Austroads will collaborate with the National Transport Commission and Australian jurisdictions to review vehicle design and road rules to support the safe use of specialty harnesses and vests,” added Michael.
The Austroads report applies to passenger vehicles such as the family car, with further research needed to understand the selection and use of specialty harnesses and vests in school buses.
Michael highlighted that the Austroads report outlines a clear path for making motor vehicle travel safer for children and young people with disabilities. “The Austroads Road Safety Task Force supports these recommendations, and we will continue our work to ensure they have the safest travel options and are properly supported and protected while travelling on our roads,” he said.
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