Helping parents install car seats using virtual technology
Using Interactive Virtual Presence to Remotely Assist Parents with Child Restraint Installations
This study is looking at how using virtual technology can help parents install car seats correctly in their cars by having trained experts guide them through the process from a distance, making it easier for families to keep their kids safe while traveling.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10693189 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how interactive virtual presence technology can assist parents in correctly installing child restraints in their vehicles. By utilizing remote verbal and visual interaction, trained technicians will guide parents through the installation process, addressing common errors that lead to unsafe installations. The study aims to overcome barriers such as access and scheduling that often prevent parents from utilizing traditional car seat check services. If successful, this approach could make it easier for families to ensure their children's safety in vehicles.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are parents or guardians of children aged 0-11 years who are seeking assistance with car seat installations.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have access to a vehicle or do not use car seats for their children may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: This research could significantly reduce the number of incorrectly installed car seats, thereby lowering the risk of serious injury or death for children in car accidents.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that remote assistance and virtual technologies can effectively improve safety practices, indicating potential success for this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
Birmingham, United States
- University of Alabama at Birmingham — Birmingham, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schwebel, David C — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Schwebel, David C
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.