Development of Infant and Child Restraint Regulations and Their Application

An overview of the evolution of child restraints and related safety standards in the U.S.A is given, including the publication of the FMVSS No. 213 - Child Restraint Systems, which became effective on January 1, 1981. The effect the standard has on the design and use of child restraints is discussed. Some current and planned work pertaining to installation of child restraint and evaluation of restraints for use by older children is also described. The main provisions of four standards, i.e. Australian, Canadian, U.N. Economic Commission for Europe and U.S. are reviewed and comparison of their major provisions is made.