“NEW” FACT OR

FICTION

IVAN

July 16, 2010

WHAT IS FACT OR FICTION? HOW DO YOU KNOW THE DIFFERENCE? Technicians must stay current in a changing

field

Make sure the safety information you are sharing is based on fact not fiction or personal preference.

New technology requires our re-education

Certain changes can have a big impact on CPS

Latest CPS student manual (revised 1/08) available at www.cpsboard.org under “training”

FACT OR FICTION Lower anchor use is standard in all

vehicles meaning there will be 2 or 3 complete sets of anchors across the back seat and you will always use the two anchors labeled in that seating position (along with top tether when FF or RF-compatible).

FICTION (CONT) There are numerous configurations for

the use of lower anchors used with LATCH depending on vehicle make and model.

Some have anchors that indicate you can’t use the seating position behind the driver if you use the anchors

FICTION (CONT) Some may have 5 anchors allowing CR

installation in either the center or left outboard positions

Ex: Chev. Malibu Maxx - in this vehicle the seating position behind the driver cannot be used by any passenger if the center LATCH position is in use because the CR would be over that seating (seat belt) position.

Chapter 3, beginning on page 23 2009 LATCH manual

FICTION (CONT) Some vehicles may have 3 pairs of

lower anchors but CR must be installed using an overlapping anchor to keep the spacing equal between anchors.

Chapter 3, beginning on page 23 2009 LATCH manual

FICTION (CONT) Some may allow center installation using the

outboard anchors if the spacing is equal, usually 11” but can range up to 20”. (both veh & CR manuals must agree) (Ford Taurus is one example)

Many models have 3 LATCH positions in one row that can be used at the same time. (ex: Ford Expedition 03-09, Toyota Sequoia 08, Chev Impala 02-09, Pontiac G8 08-09, etc. (refer to page 144 LATCH manual)

Honda Pilot 09 has 4 LATCH positions

Chapter 3, beginning on page 23 2009 LATCH manual

ALWAYS LOOK UP PROPER LATCH USE, NEVER ASSUME!

FACT OR FICTION Its never safe to use two top tethers on

one anchor.

FACT AND FICTION Typically only one CR can be connected to a top

tether anchor EXCEPT in “some pickup trucks the tether is routed through a loop directly behind the CR and hooked to an adjacent loop/anchor. In most cases 2-3 CRs can be tethered at one time in this way, with more than one tether attached to one loop.”

Remember - ALL things are subject to change – stay updated!

Reference LATCH manual page 53

Diagram: 2006 Dodge Ram Quad Cab

Photo of Dodge Ram pickup tether configuration, CR being installed in center, strap run through loop directly behind CR & tethered behind outboard position.

FACT OR FICTION Recreation vehicles are FMVSS

approved.

FICTION Recreation vehicles do not need to follow

FMVSS in the back, but they may still have seat belts - but anchorages for these are not required to comply with FMVSS 208. LATCH anchors are not required.

RV’s are not subject to school bus standards nor do many of the crashworthiness standards governing cars apply.

CR’s should not be installed on rearward or side facing seats.

Options in RV’s are limited for CR use. SRN march/April 2010

FACT OR FICTION Its ok to use a locking clip with a lap

only belt if you cannot get a tight install.

FICTION It is never ok to use a locking clip with a

lap only belt

Instead try:

Flipping the latch plate & rebuckling to achieve a better angle

Twisting the buckle to shorten it (max 3 rotations)

FACT OR FICTION Our only concern when checking a car

seat is the car seat.

FICTION We must address various issues:

The child who rides in the seat, family dynamics & seat placement

Loose items in the vehicle

Add-on items on car seat and in vehicle ex: DVD players, extra padding, window shades, etc.

Safety belts/LATCH/airbags, & other safety features in vehicle

Our goal for the child to leave safer than when they arrived and to remind the caregiver of the importance of their own seat belt use

FACT OR FICTION There is always a safe way or alternative

to do something involving CPS.

FICTION Sometimes it is necessary to say “I do

not know a safe way to do that.”

FACT OR FICTION Handles must always be in the down

position when used as a car seat.

FICTION Several RF only CRs allow the handle to

be in a variety of positions.

Some RF only CRs instruct the handle is to be or can be left in the upright “carry” position in the vehicle.

ALWAYS read the CRs instructions to confirm acceptable handle positions

Combi Connection LX series 8040– page 41 manual. 4 handle positions

“each handle position can be used for vehicle positions depending on size of vehicle”

Handle does NOT lock between positions B & C

Britax companion - handle in lowest bottom position behind seat (page 9 manual)

Graco SnugRide 35 - handle 3 positions: straight up, behind at mid level(next to lowest position) or all the way down.

EvenfloWARNING

If you are unable to use the center rear seating position,and have to install this child restraint directlybehind a front vehicle seat, ensure that there is atleast 1 1/2 inches (38 mm) of space between anypart of the child restraint and the vehicle seat thatis closest to the child’s head. This space may be necessaryfor the child restraint to properly perform incertain types of crashes.

FACT OR FICTION I am traveling by train, can I use my

child’s car seat?

FICTION

CRs cannot be installed on trains because trains do not have seat belts.

Compared to other modes of transportation trains have a far lower incidence of fatality.

A 2007 study on effectiveness of 3 pt belts found injury outcomes substantially improved, however train seats would require modification to be strong enough for seat belts. An unrestrained passenger behind the stiffer seat needed (with SB’s) could worsen injuries for those unrestrained behind it.

SRN march/April 2010

FACT OR FICTION A consumer can have a test performed

to see if a child safety seat has been in a crash.

Evenflo symphony with

surelatch side impact

3 in 1 car seat

FICTION There is no lab test that absolutely confirms

harness use. A rumor that a child restraint may show signs of being in a crash if x-rayed (internal cracks showing up on the x-rays remains UNCONFIRMED) OR

that Post crash evidence might be found during an inspection by a specially trained “expert” during inspection of CRS/vehicle.

Best to err on the side of safety, assume the seat was used w/harness in use and if NHTSA child restraint replacement guidelines are met, replace the seat!

CPS Express

FACT OR FICTION Caregivers should NOT use the LATCH

system on a belt positioning booster.

FICTION Caregivers & techs should always carefully read

the CR owners manuals & stay up to date on the latest information. Some come equipped, and occasionally, there is a retroactive policy change.

Ex: recent retroactive approval by Evenflo to use the lower anchors to secure the restraint while using their combination seats in booster mode.

Evenflo states, “We do permit the use of tethers & lower anchors, for BPB’s, as long as the position of the BPB in the vehicle and/or the resulting fit of the auto belt over the child are not affected.”

FICTION (CONT) Dorel – does not allow LATCH to be used with

boosters, its test results show that a BPB should be free to move in a crash.

Learning Curve – does not allow LATCH with its BPBs It agrees that BPBs should be free to move in a crash.

Sunshine Kids – when using optional LATCH strap with its Monterey booster the strap may be tight or loose.

Britax – recommends lower connectors be pulled tight with reasonable force with its Frontier booster.

Clek – has a booster line that comes with rigid lower anchors. (prev photo)

These are all subject to change, we must stay informed & updated!

FACT OR FICTION The percentage of strength requirement

for webbing in a child restraint is to ensure safe performance.

FACT In addition to the strength requirement,

the standard also includes width & elongation. Resistance to abrasion, light & micro-organisms are also critical tests that are part of evaluating the webbing of a CRS in FMVSS 213.

FACT OR FICTION Child restraints bought online still rely

on the registration cards being sent in to manuf.

FACT Consumers are buying more seats

online. With online purchasing the consumer gets an additional notice of recall from the e-retailer which encourages greater registration.

Buying a restraint online does not register their product with the manufacturer so keep encouraging caregivers to send in cards or register online!

CPS Express May 2010

FACT OR FICTION When a manufacturer comes out with a

new model, can we assume the older version is retroactively approved?

(New)Britax Frontier 85 Britax Frontier

FICTION No, you should never assume that new product

improvements are retroactive.

Example: Britax Frontier 85 & original Frontier. Although they share similar features they have differences. Many times the only way to tell the difference is by reading labeling or manual. There may be differences in the restraint structure among other things.

Example: (prev.photo) belt path reshaped, original Frontier has 80# max with harness, Frontier 85 has 85# max with harness. Increased capacity is NOT retroactive. NEVER assume!

CPS Express May 2010

FACT OR FICTION 3 car seats that touch each other can be

installed side by side on the rear seat of a vehicle.

FACT It is permissible for 3 car seats to be

installed side by side if ALL these conditions are met:

Each position must be an acceptable seating position for that type of car seat.

Each car seat must be securely installed using LATCH or seat belt. Must be able to check secure installation.

FACT (CONT) Adjacent car seat components should

NOT touch the release buttons for the seat belt or Lower anchors.

Touching side by side car seats are OK as long as the car seats are not trying to occupy the same space. Seats should not be forced together or overlap.

CPS Express March 2010

FACT OR FICTION At one year and 20# it is wrong for

caregivers to place a child forward facing.

FICTION It is not wrong for caregivers to place their child

forward facing if their child is at least age one and a least 20#. It may not be Best Practice, but it is still their choice and that decision meets the minimum standard.

What would be wrong is for a tech to use scare tactics insisting the child will not be safe. Only to have the caregiver agree to RF and turn CRS FF at home causing misuse.

Our job is to educate with all the available safety information, caregivers must make the tough choice.

CPS Express May 2010

FACT OR FICTION It is not possible to over tighten a top

tether strap.

FICTION You can over-tighten a tether. The

tether should be as snug as possible without excessive force being applied.

FACT OR FICTION Sensors for advanced air bags (AAB) for

the front passenger seat may be affected by weight or pressure on the back of the passenger front seat from a RF car seat or a FF child pushing his/her feet against the back of the seat.

FACT If something from the rear seat pushes on the back of

the front passenger seat, the pressure may turn the AAB on when it should be off or off when it should be on. This would be a problem if a passenger is in the front seat.

Not a concern on the drivers side as that seat does not have the same sensor system.

Some veh. manuals do caution about not letting RF CR’s press against back of front seat, few advise how much pressure is too much. Read the manuals!

CPS Express April 2010

FACT OR FICTION Tether anchor weight limits are

confusing listing 40 or 48 pounds

FACT Some manuf. publish weight max of 40 or

48 pounds but many others provide none or indicate following CR instructions.

More & more conventional high weight harness CRs are available and the use of a top tether enhances the performance of the CR.

Make sure to educate the caregiver on benefits of top tethering!

www.cpsboard.org/techupdate.htm

FACT (CONT) As stated in the 2009 (hot pink) LATCH

manual page 63 “the likelihood of a tether failing completely when anchoring a HWH-CR occupied by a child weighing more than 40# is considered highly unlikely. If the anchor, tether hook, strap or connection to the CR were to fail, it would do so late in the crash sequence. It already would have restricted forward motion of the top of the CR significantly while still attached….”

FACT (CONT) For further information please refer to

the 2009 LATCH Manual page 63 and beyond.

The LATCH Manual is a great resource, don’t forget to use it!

FACT OR FICTION I read that a thin towel, receiving

blanket or some type of “seat saver” can be used under a CR.

BOTH FACT AND FICTION Several manufacturers weighed in:

Baby Trend: thin blanket or towel is what is recommended

Britax: use of non-Britax Child Safety, Inc. items is not approved by Britax

Chicco: not approved, see Chicco website for approved list of non-regulated items

Combi: recommends protecting vehicle seat but must not interfere with SB or anchors

CPS Express June 2010

BOTH FACT AND FICTION Graco: use an infant restraint mat, towel or

thin blanket to protect vehicle seat Ride Safer: Seat protectors should NOT be

used with Ride Safer Travel vests

Precut foam products (similar to noodles) & seat belt tighteners are also listed by manufacturer (refer to CPS Express June 2010)

Again the importance of reading manuals!

CPS Express June 2010

FACT OR FICTION I can recertify 4 months in advance of

my recertification date.

FACT You don’t lose any time and your

certification dates stay the same but any CEU’s obtained after you recertify but before the first day of your new cycle can not be applied to the new cycle until that date.

CPS Express Jan 2010

THANKS FOR YOUR COMMITMENT TO CPS!!!

“NEW” FACT OR FICTION Questions??????