Misuse and Compatibility Issues Standardized Child Passenger Safety Training Program Winter 2004

Misuse and Compatibility Issues

StandardizedChild Passenger Safety

Training ProgramWinter 2004

Standardized CPS Training Program - Winter 2004Standardized CPS Training Program - Winter 2004

Objectives

•Recognize and correct vehicle and CR compatibility issues

•Determine best practice for incompatibilities

•Recognize and correct misuse of CR

•Discuss and demonstrate effective parent communication strategies

Misuse and Compatibility - 2


Misuse Rates

1996 NHTSA study of 6000 children in four states in 1994- 79.5% misuse

- Most CRS installed without the use of instructions



Misuse Rates

August 2002 National SAFE KIDS study: - 81.6% misused

- Average of three errors per seat



Misuse Rates

Informal checkup events consistently record at least 90% misuse rates



Why Are Misuse Rates So High?

•All economic and education levels represented

•Many different child restraints and vehicles available

•Caregivers don’t read instructions



Why Are Misuse Rates High?

• Instructions are not read

•Some instructions are complicated and contradictory

•Hand-me down seats missing parts or instructions

•Misunderstanding about crash dynamics



Types of Misuse


•Selection errors

•Harnessing errors

• Installation errors

•Often observed in combination


Selection Errors

1. Using a CRS with shield for small infant

2. Using outgrown CRS

3. Child too small/young for CRS

4. Using non 213 certified device

5. Using recalled & unrepaired CRS.

6. Using second-hand CRS with missing history or parts.

7. Using crash-involved CRS or safety belt



Harnessing Errors1. Not using harness at all2. Routed through wrong slots3. Not doubled back if needed4. Knotted or pinned or incorrectly routed5. Too loose6. Not placed on child correctly7. Frayed or damaged8. Metal adjuster not flush with slot or out of position9. Retainer clip not at armpit level10. Crotch strap too long or wrong position11. Using "add-ons" not approved by the CRS

manufacturer



Installation Errors1. CRS not anchored to the vehicle at all2. RF CRS in front of active air bag3. Turned FF too early4. RF only CRS facing forward.5. Incorrect recline angle6. Vehicle safety belt or lower anchorage belt

too loose or not locked7. Locking clip

a. Not used when neededb. Incorrectly placed, orc. Used when not needed



Installation Errors8. Vehicle safety belt or lower anchorage belt

routed incorrectly

9. Tether not connected properly or too loose

10. No tether used if required

11. Incorrect use of LATCH anchors

12. Using two belts, or belt and LATCH together

13. Using "add-ons" not approved by the CRS or vehicle manufacturer



Consequences of Misuse

Deaths and injuries attributed to misuse



Misuse of Safety Belts

• Child too small• Lap belt too high• Belt too loose• Shoulder belt under

arm• Shoulder belt behind

back



Classroom Hands-On Exercise

Identify specific CRS errors. Look at:- Seat selection

- Harness placement

- Seat orientation

- Recalls and instructions

- Parts



Vehicle Compatibility Issues

•Can be serious or fatal

•Some vehicles not designed to transport children



Vehicle Compatibility Issues: CRS vs. Vehicle Seat Design

• Deep contours• Side-facing• Steep slopes• Center seat humps• Short and/or narrow seats• Space in vehicle

- RF CRS and small rear seat

- Multiple CRSs side by side may not be possible

- Limited roof height• Vehicle seat back height



CRS vs. Vehicle Seat Design: Possible Fixes

• Try another seating position.

• Tightly rolled towel or a foam noodle (only for rear-facing seat).- Must not raise or move

the CRS forward

- Should not be of a size to change the length of the lap belt securing the RF CRS



• Use CRS with different base, belt paths, high back, etc.

• Tether attachment

• Remember how to say "I don't know of a safe way


CRS vs. Vehicle Seat Design: Possible Fixes


Vehicle Compatibility Issues:Vehicle Equipment Issues

• Anchors forward of bight or asymmetrical • Automatic safety belts• Buckles too large• Safety belts too short• Anchors too close• Buckle stalk too long• No shoulder belts



Vehicle Equipment Issues:Possible Fixes

• Another seating position• Additional buckle attachment• Manual lap belt added• Belt shortening clip• Tether attachment• CRS with different belt path• If allowed, semi-recline FF CRS• Twist belt webbing at buckle stalk• Shoulder belt, Y-harness, or vest added



Vehicle Compatibility Issues

• Fixes can cause complications

•KEEP IT SIMPLE!

•Parent MUST be able to reproduce correct installation



Compatibility Issues:Air Bags and Rear-Facing CRSs

• Impact delivered to infant’s head during inflation• Must install in back

seat if no on/off switch is available• Side air bag systems

interactions unknown• Follow NHTSA

recommendations



Compatibility Issues:Air Bags and Forward-Facing CRSs

• If child MUST ride in front:- Should be child who

» Can be correctly restrained and » Stay farthest away and» Have the best upper body protection

- Vehicle seat must be moved back as far as possible

- On/Off switch recommended for frequent, routine front seat installation



Compatibility Issues: Air Bags and Children in Safety Belts

•Both lap and shoulder belt must fit correctly

•Child must stay “in position”

•Children under 13 safest in the back

•Side air bag interaction unknown at this time

• Follow NHTSA recommendations



Some Solutions•Short term: Educate- Consumers- Technicians- Advocates

• Long Term: Technology advancements- CRSs more user friendly- Compatibility of CRSs & vehicles- TREAD Act

•Ongoing efforts have been successful


Standardized CPS Training Program - Winter 2004

Classroom Exercise:“What’s Wrong With This Picture?”

• Examples of misuse and compatibility issues• Determine what is

correct and incorrect about each scene


What’s Wrong With This Picture?

Misuse and Compatibility - 28 Standardized CPS Training Program - Winter 2004

• Child too upright• Needs some type of

support under front of CRS



What’sWrongWith This

Picture?


• Harness straps too loose and off shoulder• Harness retainer clip

out of position





Picture?


• Harness straps too loose and twisted• Harness retainer clip

out of position and not threaded correctly





Picture?


• Locking clip incorrectly placed 13” from correct position• Locking clip bent and

ripped seat belt allowing extreme forward excursion of child’s upper body




Picture?


Locking clip on wrong side of belt system, next to door





• Infant forward facing• CRS in RF recline

position• RF belt path used for

FF position• <80% of CRS base

supported by vehicle seat• Locking clip hanging

off of the belt system





Safety belt tied in knot to hold CRS in place





• No (or out of position) harness retainer clip• Loose harness straps off

shoulders• Child forward facing

should be rear facing• Harness in lower slots in

forward facing seat• Hard toys attached to

shield





• Two safety belts (one from front seat center & one from right rear) used to install CRS• Both belts in rear facing

belt path on forward facing seat.• 10 month/19 lbs child

should be rear facing.




Picture?


• Harness retainer clip on rear of CRS holding harness on• Locking clip on end of

harness holding the two ends together, not connected to splitter plate




Picture?


• Harness adjuster bar missing• Using rope or cords to

hold straps in place





• Rear facing seat forward facing • CRS too small for

child





• Big snow suit not allowing harness to fit properly• Harness straps loose and

twisted• Harness retainer clip

improperly threaded and low on child

NOTE: This photo is from a magazine advertisement





• This is a household carrier• Was being used in car

as a CR• No CR labels and a very

small sticker stating it is not to be used in a vehicle• No belt paths for

vehicle use





CRS reclined too far in rear seat





• Cargo tie down used in addition to safety belt• Tie down secured to

vehicle seat frame




Picture?


Wood added under rear facing CR to obtain correct angle for newborn




Picture?


• Lap and shoulder belt not correctly placed on child • Shoulder belt cuts under

arm and up behind head • Child should be in BPB





• Harness straps placed under child’s arms rather than over the shoulders• Harness retainer clip

too low• Child in background

should be in BPB, too small for safety belt





• Too small for safety belt – lap belt too high• Belts twisted




Picture?


• CRS and child restrained by only a lap belt





• Improper fit of safety belts• Using one belt for

multiple occupants• Using belt from one

seating position to restrain an occupant in another position• Lap belt only position

used when lap & shoulder belt is available




Picture?


• Front facing only CRS used rear facing• Too upright for rear

facing• Harness too loose• Belt used for installation

too loose





• Infant facing the front• Rear facing only CRS

installed facing the front• Handle left up• Harness too loose and off

the shoulders• No retainer clip




Picture?


• Getting too tall for CRS• Harness through lower

slots• Harness too loose• Retainer threaded

incorrectly





• Handle left up• Note: Shoulder belt

around back of CRS is allowed on this model





• Resting flat on the back of the CRS rather than semi-reclined• Harness on edge of

shoulders





• Infant bundled before harnessing





• CR placed on top of back seat that is lowered for access to the trunk• Harness falling over edge

of shoulders





• Too upright for infant• Harness too loose• Retainer clip out of

position• Safety belt not

through belt path slots• Belt too loose




Hands-On Exercises

1. Identify CRS misuse in vehicles-Do not change scenarios

2. Role play effective Communication -Practice advocacy skills



Communicating with Parents

Accurate & thorough assessment-Weight, height, age

- Developmental or physical limits

- Type of CRS

- Type of vehicle




Circumstances determine approach:- Solicited help

» Checkup event» Safety fair display» Telephone inquiry

- Be cautious when providing unsolicited advice or comments




Awareness and Attitude:- Body language/facial expressions

- Interaction not lecture

- Encouraging attitude

- Patience




Simplify and clarify language: “baby seat” may mean “infant seat”, “convertible”, “booster seat”, “feeder seat”- Define terms and acronyms

- Explain concepts in lay terms

- Explain why

- Use examples




Real issue vs Original Question

• “Which car seat is escape proof?”

• “When can I turn him around?”




Don’t ignore the child- Include in conversation

- Teach how to buckle up




Invest the time to do it right- Don’t rush or talk too fast

- Instruct and demonstrate

- Ask for return demonstration» Better learning experience» Minimizes liability




Be comfortable saying:- “I don’t know the answer, but I’ll find out…”

- “I can’t tell you a safe way to do that…”



CPS Technician’s Role

• Listen and assess

• Interpret issues and teach

•Be an accurate, credible source

• Instill confidence

•Recognize your limits



Parent’s Role

“Tough Choices” are made by the parents and

caregivers


Documents

Misuse and Compatibility Issues Standardized Child Passenger Safety Training Program Winter 2004