Experts from the Monash University Accident Research Center said that about 40 percent of children who based on their height are in need of booster seats have grown too fat for them. Because of this, parents have been forced to restrain their children by using seatbelts, which actually place the children in more danger of an accident.
The findings have led the scientists to the conclusion that there is a need for the production of bigger booster seats, capable of supporting children over 10kg.
"We do know that most Western societies are getting bigger," said Dr. Shaanie Koppel, study co-author "and we do know that other Western societies have recognized that older children and larger children need to be catered for in terms of booster seats."
"Therefore," she said, as quoted by ABC News, "they have standards so their booster seats can accommodate larger children."
The gathered data, according to News.com., is considered the latest indicator of Australia's obesity problem, the same concern that is plaguing many more countries around the world.
"We've had the call for bigger chairs and hospital beds, strengthened ambulances and even tougher (equipment) in mortuaries and now bigger booster seats too," said Ian Caterson from the University of Sydney.
"It's just one more sign that we've got serious problems with our weight," he said "and this time it's the safety of our children that is at stake."
The study findings can be found in the Medical Journal of Australia.
