Forensic Evidence of Child Restraint Devices in Vehicle Crashes

The purpose of this paper is to assist the investigator examining motor vehicle crashes involving child restraint devices (CRD). During a crash, if the CRD has been installed properly, it should provide protection to the child occupant. When it does not, the crash investigator must examine the CRD, belts and vehicle for the reason protection was not provided. A crash investigator should be able to determine use, non-use, or improper use of the CRD. Case studies presented will help an investigator determine items such as use or nonuse, improper use, CRD positioning, and belt routing. Forensic evidence examined on the CRD and the vehicle belts are presented from case investigations, sled tests, and crash tests.