Research has found Chinese parents lack knowledge about how to protect their children in cars, according to a blue book published by the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences on Jan 23.

The blue book cited research results that found 76 percent of car owners with children have not installed child safety seats, China National Radio reported.

Forty percent of parents have let their child sit in the passenger seat next to the driver, and 43 percent of parents believed it is safe to hold their child's hand in a car.

One tenth of parents also believed air bags can effectively protect children in a collision.

Experts said misinformation is a major reason for children being hurt in car accidents.