title: Perceived risk among parents concerning the travel situation for children with disabilities.
abstract: The aim of this study was to describe perceived risk among parents concerning the travel situation for children with disabilities, in addition to their self-reported knowledge of regulations and standards. The results from the present questionnaire study showed that entering and exiting the vehicles often required manual assistance and, thus, was perceived as risky, creating worry among parents. Parents were also worried about professional drivers' lack of knowledge about the child, incautious driving behaviour and lack of adequate safety measures. A poor postural sitting position was a problem in all vehicles. Half of the parents lacked knowledge about the regulations and standards for school transportation and Special Transport Systems. Lack of information seems to be one underlying reason for the parents' worries. Comprehensive information, focused on the special needs of children with disabilities in their transportation, would probably reduce the parents' worries significantly.
authors.affiliation: Swedish National Road and Transport Research Institute, VTI, Linköping. torbjorn.falkmer@vti.se
authors.forename: Torbjörn
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Falkmer
authors.forename: Nils Petter
authors.initials: NP
authors.lastname: Gregersen
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001334:Automobile Driving; D001336:Automobiles; D002648:Child; D002654:Child Care / Q000592:standards; D002675:Child, Preschool; D019988:Children with Disabilities; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D018986:Motor Vehicles / Q000592:standards; D010290:Parents; D011187:Posture; D011482:Protective Devices / Q000592:standards; D012306:Risk; D013548:Sweden; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000517:prevention & control*