Good Afternoon and Welcome

Child Safety Seats 1

Michael EarneyLaw Enforcement CoordinatorTexas Municipal Police Association6200 La Calma Drive, Ste. 200Austin, Texas 78752Cell: 512-560-7149fax: 512/454-8860mike.earney@tmpa.org

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Crashes are the #1 killer of children ages 1-12.

Crashes Happen with Great Force

Weight of person times the speed of the vehicle at the time of the crash equals the force!

EX: If your child weighs 30 lbs and you are traveling 30 mph…the force of the crash

is 900 pounds of force.

BUT…you have to use the seat

correctly!

ObjectivesAfter this presentation You will be able to:

• Understand the 5 ways child restraints provide protection in a crash

• Identify the different types of child restraints

• Have basic knowledge of selecting, securing, and installing a CR

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What do we teach our kids???

How to WalkHow to ride a bikeSay NO to drugsDon’t talk to strangersHow to readHow to tie their shoes

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How do we protect our children from things that

might hurt them..??

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The Problem

Motor vehicle crashes (MVC) are the leading cause of death for Texas children ages 0-12

The estimated economic loss due to MVC is $9.1 billion a year

If these costs were spread across the state's population this would translate into a loss of $899 per state resident

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Why is MV a Public Health Issue?

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2006679

The Excuses

"I can't move with those belts on - they're so uncomfortable!""I only drive around town; how can I get hurt going 25 miles per hour?”"I'm a good driver. I've never had an crash." it is better to be thrown free, instead of being trapped by a seatbelt in a fire or submersion

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The FactsNewer seatbelt design allows for total freedom of motion while driving.

The latching device that secures the belt only goes into effect when there is a sudden stop, as in an crash.

People who are thrown from cars are 25 times more likely to be killed than if they had been held securely in their seats.

In the unlikely event your car catches fire or is submerged, seatbelts can keep you from getting "knocked out" and greatly improve your chances of escape.

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The Facts

The majority of all car crashes occur within 25 miles of home.80% of all serious injuries and fatalities occur in cars going 40 miles per hour or slower.You may be a good driver, but there are situations beyond your control ___???__

such as weather and road conditions (not to mention other drivers) that can affect your safety.

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Statistics Crime vs. Crash

1 violent crime occurs every9.3 minutes

1 crash occurs every 1.5 minutes

1 aggravated assault occurs every 14 hours 23 minutes

1 personal injury crash occurs every

5 minutes 48 seconds

1 murder occurs every

14 hours 14 minutes

1 fatal crash occurs every

7 hours 46 minutes

Statistics from 2005 Statistics from 2005

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Protection Provided byChild Restraints

Prevent ejection

Contact the strongest parts of the body

Spread crash force over a wide area

Help the body to “ride down” the crash

Protect the head, neck and spinal cord16

Correct Use of Child Restraints

Select the appropriate CR for the child

Secure the child properly in the CR

Install the CR properly in the car

Use a CR that meets appropriate FMVSS

Be sure all parts & instructions are available

Free of recalls, not altered, crash history available

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Types Of RestraintsFor Children

Rear-facing only restraintsConvertible restraintsForward-facing only restraintsBoosterVehicle safety belts

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Child Safety Seat Child Safety Seat Manufacturer GuidelinesManufacturer Guidelines

Rear facing infant seat: At LEAST 1 year of age and at least 20 pounds

Rear facing/forward facing-Until 1 year of age and 20 pounds rear;convertible seat: 1 year of age or older and 20-40 pounds

forward

Forward facing seat: 1 year of age and 20-40 pounds

Booster seat: Over 40 pounds and up to 8-12 years old

Correct fit of lap/shoulder- Approximately 4’9” inches tall and 80 poundsbelt only:

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Rear Facing Only(Infant Seat)

ONLY face the rear Birth/5 lbs. to 17 - 22 pounds (most

models) or when head is 1” below top of shell

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Rear Facing Only(Infant Seat)

Supports entire head, neck & back, reducing stress to neck and spine in crash

May have 5-point or V-harness

Some have a detachable base

Rear Facing Convertible

Rear-facing wt range of 20-35 poundsChild must remain rf until at least one year oldUse in reclined position

“T” Shield5 Point Harness Tray Shield

Securing Child In Rear Facing Seats

Back & bottom flat into CRS

Blankets at sides for positioning

Harness at or below shoulders and snug,with retainer clip at armpit level

Convertible Seat

Over 1 year & 20 lbs.

Seat in upright position

Harness in reinforced slots (at or above shoulders)

Generally must use top slots

Securing Child In Forward Facing Convertibles

Back and bottom flat into CRS

Proper harness slots

Harness snug

Retainer clip at armpit level

Forward Facing SeatsCombination child seat/booster

Most have 40 pound weight limit on internal harness

On most, harness must be removed and CR used with lap and shoulder belt when child is over 40 pounds

Securing Child In Forward Facing Only Seats

Back & bottom flat into CRS

Correct harness slots Harness snug

Retainer clip at armpit level

Booster Seats

Provides transition from CRS with harness to vehicle lap and shoulder belt

Minimum and

maximum height and weight limits vary

Incorrect Belt Fit

Correct Belt Fit with Belt

Positioning Booster

Booster Seats

Two Types:Shield Booster

Belt-Positioning Boosters

High BackBackless

Shield Booster

Best practice recommendations indicate shield boosters are not the safest option

Do not use

Backless Belt Positioning Booster

MUST be used with lap and shoulder belt

Boosts child up to help the adult belt fit correctly

Some models have shoulder belt positioners

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High Back Belt- Positioning Booster

MUST be used with lap and shoulder belt

Boosts child up to help the adult belt fit correctly

Provides head restraint for vehicle seats that have a low back

Securing Child In BPBs

Requires lap & shoulder belt

Lap belt positioned low across top of thighs and shoulder belt across chest

Use of Vehicle Safety BeltsLap belt only:

No upper body protectionPoor fit on child may

cause internal injuries

Lap & shoulder belt are the best protection

Poor fit can cause serious injuries

Poor Belt Fit

Correct Belt Fit

Take the 5-Step Test1. Does the child sit all the way back

against the auto seat?2. Do the child’s knees bend comfortably

at the edge of the auto seat?3. Is the lap belt on the top of the thighs?4. Is the shoulder belt centered on the

shoulder and chest?5. Can the child stay seated like this for

the entire trip?

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Take the 5-Step Test

If you answered “no” to any of these questions….

The child needs a booster seat

to ride safely!

Safety Belt Safe USA 2004

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What Is the Real Problem?

While not rocket science, car seats are VERY confusing to parents

Large numbers of car seats, vehicles, & seat belt systems result in ENDLESS COMBINATIONS

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Why Are Kids Dying?

Misuse is widespread

Most people believe they are doing it right

More than 90% are not!

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Misuse Is Widespread

Common Misuse Includes:

harness loose on child

child in wrong type of CR

child moved into adult seat belt too early

CRS not installed securely

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Real-world Misuse

Actual pictures taken at car seat check events

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What’sWrong

With This Picture?

Harness straps loose and off shoulder

Harness retainer clip out of position

Loose seat belt

What’s Wrong With This Picture?

What’s Wrong With This Picture?

No (or out of position) harness retainer clipLoose harness straps off shouldersChild forward facing should be rear facingHarness in lower slots in forward facing seatHard toys attached to shield

What’s Wrong With This Picture?

What’s Wrong With This Picture?

Big snow suit not allowing harness to fit properly

Harness straps loose and twisted

Harness retainer clip improperly threaded and low on child

What’s Wrong With This Picture?

What’s Wrong With This Picture?

CRS reclined too far in rear seat

Car seat is wedged with driver seat

What’s Wrong With This Picture?

What’sWrongWith This

Picture?

Lap/shoulder belt not correctly placed on child

Shoulder belt cuts under arm and up behind head

Child should be in highback BPB

What’s Wrong With This Picture?

What’s Wrong With This Picture?

Harness straps placed under child’s arms

Harness retainer clip low

Child in background should be in booster, too small for safety belt

What’s Wrong With This Picture?

What’s Wrong With This Picture?

Improper fit of safety belts

Using one belt for multiple occupants

Lap belt only position used when lap & shoulder belt is available

What’s Wrong With This Picture?

What’s Wrong With This Picture?

Infant bundled in blankets

Retainer clip low

Loose seat belt

What’s Wrong With This Picture?

What’s Wrong With This Picture?

Rear facing seat forward facing

CRS too small for child

What’s Wrong With This Picture?

What is the BESTBEST Child Safety Seat?!?

Fits the CHILD properlyFits the CAR properlyWill be used correctly EVERY TIME

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•Abraham Lincoln

•Next to creating a life,•The greatest thing one can

do is save a life…

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The End!

Any questions?

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