This content is not included in
your SAE MOBILUS subscription, or you are not logged in.
Observed Misuse of Child Restraints
Annotation ability available
Sector:
Language:
English
Abstract
The high level of crashworthiness of child restraining devices (CRDs) mandated by FMVSS Ho. 213-80, and the dynamic test procedure adopted voluntarily by the industry before 213-80 went into effect, do not necessarily transfer from the laboratory to the family automobile. Correct use of CRDs is essential; misuse reduces or could even defeat the protective potential.
To establish the magnitude of one part of the misuse problem, 23 observers in 12 states examined installation of CRDs in the forward-facing “toddler” mode for errors in seat belt routing and top tether installation. Of the 3233 crashworthy CRDs observed, 51% required a tether strap. Correct use of tethers was noted in only 16% of these. Of the 2323 CRDs examined for seat belt as well as tether installation, 75% were found to have errors in belt routing, tether use, or both. The consequences of misuse are touched upon, possible reasons for misuse are discussed, and remedies are suggested.
Recommended Content
Authors
Topic
Citation
Shelness, A. and Jewett, J., "Observed Misuse of Child Restraints," SAE Technical Paper 831665, 1983, https://doi.org/10.4271/831665.Also In
References
- Scherz, R.G., MD “Restraint Systems for the Prevention of Injury to Children in Automobile Accidents” American Journal of Diseases of Children 66 5
- Williams, A.F., PhD Wells, J.K., BA “The Tennessee Child Restraint Law in its Third Year.” American Journal of Public Health 71
- Heltko, P.J., MD Hletko, J. Shelness, A. Nyberg, J. “The Effect of an In-Hospital Maternity Education Program on Observed Correct Crash Restraint Device Use.” 26th Proceedings AAAM Arlington Heights, IL
- Federal Register 44 241 “Child Restraint Systems,Seat Belt Assemblies and Anchorages,” NHTSA Washington, D.C.
- Weber, K. Melvin, J.W. “Injury Potential with Misused Child Restraining Systems.” 27th Stapp Car Crash Conference, Society of Automotive Engineers Warrendale, PA 1983
- Evans, R. Sweedler, B.M. “Investigation of Crashes Involving Restrained and Unrestrained Infants and Small Children.” Proceedings of the Child Restraint and Injury Conference, SAE/NHTSA, San Diego, 10/83 SAE Warrendale, PA 1983
- Williams, A.F., PhD “Observed Child Restraint in Automobiles.” American Journal of Diseases of Children 130
- Agent, K.R. Crabtree, J.D. “Child Restraint Usage in Kentucky (Pre-Legislation).” Transportation Research Program, College of Engineering, U Kentucky Lexington, KY
- Hletko, P.J., MD Hletko, J. Shelness, A. Nyberg, J. “The Effect of a Child Restraint Device Rental Program on Observed Correct Use,” 27th Proceedings AAAM Arlington Heights, IL
- Weber, K. Melvin, J.W. “Dynamic Testing of Child Occupant Protection Concepts.” UM, HSRI Ann Arbor, MI
- Weber, K. Allen, N.P. “Factors Affecting Consumer Acceptance and Use of Child Restraint Systems.” UM, HSRI Ann Arbor, MI
- Shelness, A. Charles, S. “Children as Passengers in Automobiles.” Pediatrics 56 271 284 1975
- Federal Register 45 240 NHTSA “Anchorages for Child Restraint Systems,” Washington, D.C.
- “Shoulder Belts in Rear Seats.” PAS News , Physicians for Automotive Safety Irvington, NJ 1981
- “Should Child Passenger Safety Laws Permit the Use of Seat Belts?” PAS News 1983
- Glasauer, F.E., MD Cares, H.L., MD “Traumatic Paraplegia in Infancy.” JAMA 219 1
- Ibrahim, K.N., D “Seat Belt Syndrome.” JAMA 245 22
- “Safety Belts OK for Small Children.” PAS News 1982