ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) revision of the program was made possible with the assistance of a substantial number of talented child passenger safety experts from across the country. We are grateful to everyone who gave so much time, attention, and expertise to help bring you this revised program. Past and present members of the National Child Passenger Safety Board (NCPSB) conceptualized the revised program and guided the redesign with dedication, expertise, and passion. Without their commitment, the National Child Passenger Safety Certification Training Program would not be the first class program that it is today. NCPSB MEMBERS Following are the names of NCPSB members, past and present, who provided direction and technical assistance. Marian Adams Stacy Dawkins Jennifer Huebner-Davidson Helen Arbogast Audrey Eagle Carol Meidinger J. Kevin Behrens Suzanne Grace John Merchant Jennifer Booge Carole S. Guzzetta Sarah Tilton Allan Buchanan Barbi Harris Lorrie Walker Marilyn Bull Sarah Haverstick Narinder Dhaliwal Sherri Cannon Amy Heinzen Bob Wall Kerry Chausmer Carol Helminski Norraine Wingfield FIELD REVIEWERS Additional CPS Technicians and Instructors from the field reviewed the course and provided valuable technical feedback. Katrina Altenhofen Kecia Healy Kevin Poore Ronald A. Atkins Stephanie Heitsch Marissa Ann Rodriguez Jeffrey Baker Susan A. Helms Jennifer Rubin Dawn Batman Nichole Hodges Amy Schultz Margaret Beers Jim Hoflund Jennifer Ann Shea Jennifer Belyeu Amy Horn Deborah June Scruggs Amy Suzanne Borg Amanda M. Horner Terriann Shell Janet Brooks Mike James Raymond Shew Angela Brown Steven D. Jensen Thomas Sholty Ann Brunzell Woody Johnston Jackie Stackhouse Leach Jennie Burton Francine Jones Deborah Stewart Deana Carson Lisa A. Jones John J. Stubbs Suzanne Cash LeDoyen Beth Kindschi Andrea Marie Swanson Jimmy Cassidy Kathryn Kruger Holly M. Terry Lori Cawley Dana Landy Anna Louise Thompson Emilie Crown Jeannine Lange Sandra Tomiyama Kristi Davis Phyllis Larimore Joseph Boyd Tong Page Intro-1 FIELD REVIEWERS (CONTINUED) Narinder Dhaliwal Marnita Louzon Andrew Turnage Gary Lyn Dill Ronda Lusk Mark Van Horn Denise Donaldson Chengyeng Ly Wanda Vazquez Susan Marie Douglass Karen Macauley Eleanor J. Walters Donald D. Dupray Deborah A McCabe Mike D. Warren Suzanne E. Emery Angela McFall Heather Watson Wendi Felgner Katie D. Mueller Kathy White Victoria Fisher M. Claire Myer Tracy Whitman Tamara Franks Sarah Nielsen Kim Wittig Lisa B. Gardner Emma Olenberger Donald Wood Beth Guzzetta Jennifer Pavey Richard Youngs Bill Hall Justin Phillips Carol Ann Hancock Lisa A. Phy Lester Haynes Allana Pinkerton PILOT SITE The course was pilot tested with a group of Technician Candidates. Feedback from the pilot was used to fine-tune the materials. Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) Instructor Emilie Crown hosted the pilot session and provided organizational and logistics support. The rest of the instructor team included: • • • • Jessica Butterfield Dale Crown Marcelo Ramos Kristin Rosenthal MANAGEMENT OF INSTRUCTIONAL DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT The National Safety Council (NSC) provided overall project management and instructional design and development expertise. NSC engaged a curriculum design specialist to redesign the course according to current adult learning principles. Page Intro-2 TABLE OF CONTENTS Module 1: Program Introduction ..................................................................................................... 1-1 Module 2: The CPS Technician Role ............................................................................................. 2-1 Module 3: Injury Prevention & Crash Dynamics ............................................................................. 3-1 Module 4: Seat Belt Systems ......................................................................................................... 4-1 Module 5: Air Bags ......................................................................................................................... 5-1 Module 6: Lower Anchors & Tethers for CHildren .......................................................................... 6-1 Module 7: Introduction to Car Seats & Booster Seats .................................................................... 7-1 Module 8: Children in Rear-Facing Car Seats ................................................................................ 8-1 Module 9: Children in Forward-Facing Car Seats .......................................................................... 9-1 Module 10: Children in Booster Seats & Seat Belts ..................................................................... 10-1 Module 11: CPS in Other Vehicles ............................................................................................... 11-1 Module 12: Installation & Communication .................................................................................... 12-1 Module 13: Closing & Checkup Event .......................................................................................... 13-1 NOTE: All statistics noted in the program are based on data available at the time of printing. Page Intro-3 Page Intro-4 MODULE 1 National Child Passenger Safety Certification Training Program Program Introduction OBJECTIVES • Become acquainted with the purpose, goals, and successful completion requirements of the • • National CPS Training Certification Program. Identify the personal costs of incorrect use and installation of car seats, booster seats, and seat belts. Identify national statistics on the use of car seats, booster seats, and seat belts. WELCOME … … to the National Child Passenger Safety Certification Training Program! The National Child Passenger Safety (CPS) Certification Training Program is a partnership between three organizations: • The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) developed the original curriculum in the mid-1990s and regularly updates the content. Representatives of the National Child Passenger Safety Board (NCPSB) NHTSA’s mission is to save lives, prevent injuries, and reduce traffic crash costs through education, research, safety standards, and enforcement activities. • The National Child Passenger Safety Board (NCPSB) oversees the quality and integrity of the training and certification requirements. • Safe Kids Worldwide is the certifying body responsible for administering all aspects of certification. OVERALL PURPOSE OF THIS PROGRAM: WHY ARE WE HERE? Traffic crashes can happen to anyone at any time. Statistically, you have about a nine percent chance of being involved in a vehicle collision every year. That is about five collisions in a lifetime (National Safety Council [NSC] Injury Facts, 2012). While traffic crashes affect people of all ages, it is especially concerning that crashes are the leading cause of death of children in the United States. Just as concerning is that in most cases, child passenger injuries and deaths can be prevented. Many injuries and deaths occur as a result of the high misuse rate of car seats, booster seats, and seat belts. Imagine(if(a(car(seat(or( booster(seat(saves(the(life( of(a(64year4old(child.( Given(mortality(rates,(it( could(result(in(72( productive(years(for(just( one(person((Centers(for( Disease(Control([CDC],( 2011).( Education and proper use of air bags, car seats, booster seats, and seat belts helps save lives and can prevent injuries and deaths every day. When used correctly, the risk of hospitalization, injury, and death for children is greatly reduced. Nationally)certified)CPS)Technicians)make)a)difference)in)the)lives)of)families! Page 1-1 TRAINING PROGRAM GOALS 1. Certify you as a CPS Technician. 2. Provide you with the opportunity to apply basic technical skills and knowledge to the correct installation and use of car seats, booster seats, and seat belts. 3. Equip you to educate caregivers in the proper selection, installation, and use of car seats and booster seats and to know when to move to seat belts once booster seats are outgrown. 4. Equip you to educate caregivers so they can confidently install and reinstall car seats and booster seats. 5. Enable you to be a resource in your communities. ! “The%National%Child%Passenger%Safety%Certification%Training%Program%was%a% transformational%experience%for%me,%not%only%from%a%policy%standpoint,%but%also%from% an%interpersonal%perspective.%I%understand%why%CPS%Technicians%are%so%passionate,% because%I%have%been%swept%up%by%the%same%passion.”% ( David(L.(Strickland( NHTSA(Administrator TERMS USED IN THIS TRAINING PROGRAM There are many different names used for what caregivers tend to refer to as car seats such as child safety seats, child restraints, CRs, and baby seats. Child restraint is the common, and sometimes required, term used by the government and manufacturers in formal and official writings, including labeling and manuals. Child restraints refer to rear-facing car seats, forward-facing car seats, and booster seats. Since our purpose with this program is to help you work directly with caregivers, we have chosen to use the more familiar term that is used on many websites, in public service announcements, and is one of the most common search terms – car seats. We will use: • Car seats as the term when referring to rear-facing and forward-facing seats with harnesses. • Booster seats as the term for referring to restraints that secure a child with the use of a seat belt. Rear-facing car seat Forward-facing car seat Page 1-2 Booster seat TRAINING PROGRAM COMPLETION REQUIREMENTS Attend the entire training program. ! Participate in class discussions and practice activities. ! Pass three written quizzes with a total of 42/50 correct. ! ! Pass three skills assessments. Participate in the end-of-class checkup event. Training program completion requirements NOTE: In taking the quizzes and skills assessments, you may use all available resources. Your Technician Guide (TG) is your #1 resource. If you do not pass – retests are NOT allowed. VIDEO • Flashback IMPORTANT-TO-KNOW STATISTICS ON THE USE OF CAR SEATS, BOOSTER SEATS, AND SEAT BELTS Here are some key statistics you can share with others to support your efforts in child passenger safety. Protecting children when they ride in vehicles is the responsibility of all community members. ! ! About 90 people died each day in vehicle crashes (NHTSA, 2010). ! Restraint use among young children often depends upon the driver’s seat belt use. When the driver is buckled, children are restrained (car seats/booster seats/seat belts) 95 percent of the time. When the driver is unbuckled, children are restrained 67 percent of the time (National Occupant Protection Use Survey Controlled Intersection Survey, 2011). ! Child restraints, or car seats, reduce the risk of injury by 71 to 82 percent and reduce the risk of death by 28 percent in comparison to children in seat belts alone. Booster seats reduce the risk of nonfatal injuries by 45 percent among 4 to 8-year-olds (AAA, 2012). Vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death for children in the United States (NHTSA, 2012). Page 1-3 Drivers)who)buckle)up) are)more)likely)to) have)child)passengers) who)buckle)up.) MODULE 1 • Program Introduction ! IMPORTANT-TO-KNOW FACTS: STATISTICS ON THE USE OF CAR SEATS, BOOSTER SEATS, AND SEAT BELTS (CONTINUED) ! Child restraints are often used incorrectly. One study found that 72 percent of nearly 3,500 observed car seats and booster seats were misused in a way that could be expected to increase a child’s risk of injury during a crash (NHTSA, 2006). ! In 2010, it is estimated that 303 children under 5 were saved as a result of restraint use. Over the period 1975 through 2010, an estimated 9,611 lives were saved by child restraints (car seats/booster seats or seat belts) for children under the age of five in passenger vehicles (NHTSA, 2010). NOTE: Refer to the NHTSA website at www.nhtsa.gov and the CPS Board website at www.cpsboard.org for the latest statistics and details about effectiveness of correctly using car seats, booster seats, and seat belts and their misuse. The)best)way)to)protect)children)in)the)car)is)to)put)them)in) the)right)seat)at)the)right)time)–) and)use)it)the)right)way!) Buckle up for safety! Page 1-4 Progress Check and Summary 1. What is a leading cause of death for children in the United States? 3. What are the five main goals of this program? NOTE: There is a glossary of terms on the NCPSB website (www.cpsboard.org) that you can refer to as needed after the course. Page 1-5 MODULE 1 • Program Introduction 2. What is the best way to protect children in the car? Page 1-6 MODULE 2 National Child Passenger Safety Certification Training Program The CPS Technician Role OBJECTIVES • Describe the CPS Technician role. • Discuss best practices and caregiver choices. THE CPS TECHNICIAN ROLE What Expectations Do You Have About This Course? 1. 2. 3. VIDEO • The CPS Technician Role RESOURCES TO KEEP YOUR SKILLS CURRENT Take notes on the CPS Technician role and what you could be doing on the job below. • NHTSA’s Tech Update newsletter • Safe Kids Worldwide CPS Express • Manufacturer websites • NHTSA websites: www.safercar.gov and www.nhtsa.dot.gov • Recall lists www.safercar/gov Fielding questions Page 2-1 CPS TECHNICIAN ROLE (CONTINUED) Car seat checkup event Health and safety fairs, community events, and educational presentations The primary role of the CPS Technician is to educate caregivers on the correct selection, installation, and use of car seats, booster seats, and seat belts by: ! Teaching caregivers about the proper selection, installation, and use of car seats and booster seats and proper use of seat belts. ! ! Teaching caregivers when to move the child to seat belts once booster seats are outgrown. Providing caregiver education through: – Checkup events or by individual appointments that might be held at locations such as fire stations, car dealerships, hospitals, and retail stores. – Health and safety fairs and community events where information and materials are provided. – Educational presentations to professional groups, parent groups, and community organizations. – Answering caregivers’ child passenger safety questions and supporting other CPS Technicians whether in person, by phone, or even by email. CPS Technicians carry out this role with caregivers by demonstrating and explaining about: ! Selection: Ensuring the car seat, booster seat, or seat belt is in good condition and appropriate for the child’s age, height, weight, and developmental levels, as well as ensuring that the seat is not recalled. ! Direction: Facing the car seat in the correct direction for the age, height, weight, and developmental levels of the child. ! ! ! Location: Placing the car seat or booster seat in an appropriate location in the vehicle. Installation: Installing the car seat or booster seat in the vehicle correctly. Harnessing: Securing the child in the car seat, booster seat, or seat belt. NOTE: Ensure that the caregiver can secure the child in their car seat in the vehicle. Page 2-2 THE LEARN, PRACTICE, EXPLAIN MODEL Emphasis in this course is placed on ensuring that your learning experience will successfully prepare you to achieve the main purpose – to help caregivers safely transport their families. To ensure you are equipped to educate caregivers so they can confidently use and install car seats, booster seats, and seat belts, this course has been designed using the Learn, Practice, Explain (LPE) Model. Practice your new skills and share information. Explain (teach) what you have learned to caregivers. ! LPE!principles!apply!to!CPS!Technicians,!instructors,!and!caregivers!–!! beginning!today!and!continuing!once!you!are!certified.! BEST PRACTICES AND CAREGIVER CHOICES In your role as a CPS Technician, you will: ! ! Identify the best way to transport a child safely. Explain best practices to the caregiver. Best practice is the gold standard of protection (while following manufacturer instructions). It is the safest way to transport a child based on the child’s: ! ! ! ! Age Weight Height Development levels Often, when caregivers do not understand the reason for it, they do not choose the best practice. As a CPS Technician, it is your job to know the reason and explain it to the caregiver in simple, clear terms. You may not always have a clear and definitive answer to provide and may have to give more than one option. This can result in a choice for a caregiver. Caregiver choices are related to issues that may not have a clear answer on the safest way to transport a child. Caregivers will then have the final decision based on best practices you provide. In many cases, there will be best practices related to the choices. A CPS Technician must provide caregivers with available options, making them better able to make choices about how to best secure their child in the appropriate car seat or booster seat. As!a!CPS!Technician,!you!can!never!support!a!caregiver!in!either!breaking!the! law!or!going!against!manufacturer!instructions.!In!cases!where!the!caregiver! does!not!make!the!safe!choice,!document!it!on!your!Check!Form. Page 2-3 MODULE 2 • The CPS Technician Role Learn the facts/skills/information. Seek ways to stay updated. Then … BEST PRACTICES AND CAREGIVER CHOICES (CONTINUED) Some%states%provide%CPS%Technicians%with%protection%from%liability.%But%the%best% protection%is%the%consistent%application%of%best%practices%and%thorough%documentation.% ! J.!Kevin!Behrens! Former!Governors!Highway!Safety!Association!(GHSA)!Representative! National!Child!Passenger!Safety!Board! CPS Technician explaining best practice to caregiver EXAMPLE!OF!BEST!PRACTICE:!Children!should!ride!in!a!booster!seat!until!the!adult! lapJandJshoulder!belt!fits!properly.! CAREGIVER!CHOICES! • The$law$where$you$live$does$not$require$children$to$ride$in$booster$seats$until$they$are$ between$8$to$12.$Instead,$the$law$requires$only$that$children$ride$in$booster$seats$until$the$ age$of$6.$$ • A$caregiver$wants$to$follow$the$law$rather$than$follow$best$practice.$$ • As$a$CPS$Technician,$it$is$your$job$to$help$the$caregiver$understand$the$reason$for$the$ best$practice.$$ • If$the$caregiver$chooses$to$let$the$child$ride$without$a$booster$seat,$you$cannot$stop$the$ caregiver$from$doing$so.$In$this$situation,$you$should$help$the$caregiver$understand$the$ reason$behind$the$best$practice$standard.$$ • Document$the$caregiver’s$choice$not$to$follow$best$practice$on$the$Check$Form$your$ organization$uses$to$document$seat$checks.$ Page 2-4 Progress Check and Summary 1. How do CPS Technicians provide caregiver education? 3. What is a best practice? 4. Who is responsible for making final choices? Page 2-5 MODULE 2 • The CPS Technician Role 2. What do CPS Technicians explain (teach) when they work with a caregiver? Page 2-6 MODULE 3 National Child Passenger Safety Certification Training Program Injury Prevention & Crash Dynamics OBJECTIVES • Describe challenges to crash survival. • Explain the concept of crash forces. • Describe five ways that car seats, booster seats, and seat belts prevent injury. CHALLENGES TO CRASH SURVIVAL Motor%vehicle%crashes%are%a%leading%cause%of%death%in%the%U.S.%(CDC,%2013)% (Based'on'latest'mortality'data'available'from'CDC’s'National'Center'for'Health'Statistics)' ! Car seat, booster seat, and seat belt use decrease as children get older. Most children are restrained during the first year of life because they appear to be more fragile and need more protection (NHTSA, 2010). ! According to various reports from NHTSA and the field, car seat, booster seat, and seat belt misuse rates vary from 74 to 90 percent. ! Misuse and nonuse are important issues to address with caregivers. ! Correct selection, installation, and use of a car seat can be challenging. ! Caregivers may have outdated or incorrect information about car seats, booster seats, and seat belts. ! Caregivers may not choose best practice over personal preferences or actual safety over perceived safety. For example, caregivers might prioritize wanting to see the child more easily and move the child to a forward-facing car seat over best practice recommendations. INJURY'PREVENTION'is'a' process'used'to'decrease' injuries'or'death'due'to' an'injury.'However,'it' does'not'work'100' percent'of'the'time.'' Many'factors'in'a'crash' determine'outcomes'such' as'vehicle'size,'speed,'and' point'of'impact.' Because the heads of young children are disproportionately large compared to their bodies and their pelvic bones and spines are underdeveloped, when installed and used correctly, car seats, booster seats, and seat belts help to protect children in vehicles. Fatalities are just the tip of the iceberg. Many more injuries occur than deaths each year. Some injuries have lifelong effects and can be costly. Vehicle crashes can result in injuries and deaths By%understanding%the%correct%use%of%car%seats,%booster%seats,%and%seat%belts,% it%is%easy%to%see%errors%and%misuse%–%and%offer%information%and%resources% to%caregivers%to%correct%the%errors%and%misuse. Page 3-1 Resources for Current Injury and Misuse Data Examples of resources for current injury, misuse, and error rates in your community and across the nation are listed below. Resources for current data are also available at www.cpsboard.org. • • • • American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) at http://www.aap.org • • Governors Highway Safety Administration (GHSA) at www.ghsa.org • • • • National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) at www.safercar.gov Car seat, booster seat, and vehicle manufacturer websites Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) at www.cdc.gov/injury/WISQARS Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) at http://www.chop.edu/service/car-seat-safetyfor-kids/index.html Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) at www.highwaysafety.org or http://www.iihs.org NHTSA’s National Center for Statistics and Analysis (NCSA) at www.nhtsa.gov Safe Kids Worldwide at http://www.safekids.org State and local health departments NOTE: Review educational materials (articles, websites, videos, brochures, handouts, etc.) every year to be sure you are providing accurate and current information. Go to NHTSA’s http://www.trafficsafetymarketing.gov for up-to-date consumer information. “CPS%Technicians%play%such%a%critical%role%in%explaining%the%engineering%of%crash% dynamics%in%lay%terms%so%parents%understand%the%reasons%behind%best%practice% recommendations.”% Kristy'Arbogast,'PhD' Center'for'Injury'Research'and'Prevention' Children’s'Hospital'of'Philadelphia' THE CONCEPT OF CRASH FORCES There are many factors related to injury prevention that must be considered before, during, and after a crash to prevent or minimize injuries from occurring. Here are a few examples: • • • • Road conditions before the crash Car seat use during the crash Seat belt use (such as using lap belt correctly or incorrectly) during the crash Emergency response time after the crash You might do everything correctly when driving safely and still get into a collision. One way to understand the value of occupant protection and how it helps you survive a collision is to look at the dynamics of a collision. Every vehicle collision includes three crashes. • • • The vehicle crash The human crash The internal crash Page 3-2 THE CONCEPT OF CRASH FORCES (CONTINUED) VIDEO • 3 Stages of a Collision ! ! The Vehicle Crash. The first stage involves the vehicle. A crash causes the vehicle to buckle and bend as it hits something and comes to an abrupt stop. This occurs in approximately 1/10 of a second in a front-end collision. The crushing of the front end absorbs some crash forces and cushions the rest of the vehicle. As a result, the passenger compartment comes to a more gradual stop than the front of the vehicle. The Human Crash. The second stage occurs as the vehicle stops. In a crash, occupants move toward the point of impact, at the vehicle's original speed. Just after the vehicle comes to a complete stop, occupants collide with the steering wheel, windshield, seat belt, or some other part of the vehicle interior. This is the human crash. NOTE: All objects in the vehicle move with the same speed upon impact whether belted or not. Another form of the human crash is the person-to-person impact: • Unbelted occupants colliding with each other or an unbelted occupant colliding with a belted occupant can cause many serious or fatal injuries. • Unbelted rear-seat occupants become high-speed projectiles striking people in the front seat. Page 3-3 The vehicle crash The human crash Some'crashes'are'so' violent'that'even' properly'restrained' occupants'are'injured'or' killed.'If'the'occupant' compartment'is'crushed,' car'seats'and'seat'belts' may'be'unable'to'prevent' injury'or'death.' MODULE 3 • Injury Prevention & Crash Dynamics Watch carefully for and take notes about the characteristics of the three stages (crashes) of a collision below. THE CONCEPT OF CRASH FORCES (CONTINUED) ! The Internal Crash. The third stage occurs after an occupant’s body comes to a complete stop. The internal organs are still moving forward until the organs hit something. Suddenly, organs hit other organs or the skeletal system. This third crash is the internal crash, often causing serious or fatal injuries. The internal crash Crash Forces: Weight X Speed = Restraining Force In any crash, even a minor one, occupants in the vehicle can be seriously injured. Most people are unaware of the force a vehicle has when moving. Consider: • A vehicle going 40 mph would hit a tree with the same force as hitting the ground after falling off a 50-foot cliff. A person inside the vehicle would hit the windshield with the same force as hitting the ground after a fall from a 5-story building. • It is important for caregivers to understand that the forces involved in a crash can kill or cause serious injuries to themselves and their child. • One way to help caregivers understand such forces is to explain that the force needed to restrain an occupant approximately equals the weight of the occupant multiplied by the vehicle speed. It'is'important'for' caregivers'to'understand' that'holding'a'child'in' their'lap'or'unrestrained' presents'great'risk'to'the' unbelted'child.' Example: A 10-pound infant in a vehicle moving at 30 miles per hour could require at least 300 pounds (10 x 30 = 300) of restraining force to keep from moving forward. Progress Check: Estimating Restraining Force Estimate restraining force using your weight and a crash at 30 mph. Rollovers, Rotations, and Ejection Dangerous crash events can occur in almost any type of collision or chain of crash events. Here are the most common types of crashes and their related injuries. • Frontal crashes are the most frequent and can result in neck, head, upper body, and lower body injuries. • • • Rear-end crashes are also common and can result in back and neck injuries. Lateral and side impact crashes can result in torso, head, hip, and leg injuries. A rollover crash occurs when the vehicle rolls over onto its side or top (upside down) one or more times. A vault is similar, but the vehicle flips end over end. A rollover/vault is often responsible for occupants being thrown from vehicles. Page 3-4 Rollovers, Rotations, and Ejection (continued) In a rotation (or spin), unrestrained occupants are more likely to be injured as they hit the vehicle interior repeatedly and are much more likely to be thrown from the vehicle than restrained occupants. • In an ejection, vehicle occupants are thrown out a window or door, skid along the pavement, and may be pinned or crushed under a vehicle. Landing gently on a soft surface is highly unlikely. • A common myth about car seat, booster seat, and seat belt use is that occupants are better off being thrown clear of a crash. People thrown from a vehicle are four times more likely to be killed than those who remain inside (NHTSA, 2009). ! ! Even%in%the%very%rare%chance%of%a%vehicle%fire%or% landing%in%the%water,%a%properly%belted%occupant%is% more%likely%to%be%uninjured%and%conscious,%thus%able% to%exit%from%the%vehicle.%% ! ! HOW CAR SEATS, BOOSTER SEATS, AND SEAT BELTS PREVENT INJURY 2-year-old correctly restrained The use of car seats, booster seats, and seat belts is one of the most important actions that can be taken to prevent injury in a vehicle crash. While car seats, booster seats, and seat belts do not prevent crashes from taking place, they play a major role in reducing the severity of injury to vehicle occupants involved in a collision. An occupant’s chance of survival increases dramatically when appropriately restrained. What are the ways in which car seats, booster seats, and seat belts can prevent injury? ! ! ! ! ! 4-year-old correctly restrained Keep people in the vehicle. Contact the strongest parts of the body. Spread forces over a wide area of the body. Help the body to slow or "ride down" the crash forces. Protect the head, brain, and spinal cord. 6-year-old correctly restrained Page 3-5 MODULE 3 • Injury Prevention & Crash Dynamics • HOW CAR SEATS, BOOSTER SEATS, AND SEAT BELTS PREVENT INJURY (CONTINUED) Here are additional points to understand and emphasize when talking with caregivers or others. • Car seats, booster seats, and seat belts are designed to contact the body at the strongest parts of its structure. For an older child and adult, these parts are the hips and shoulders. • Car seats, booster seats, and seat belts are designed to spread crash forces over a wide area of the body, putting less stress on any one part. • • – Lap-and-shoulder belts and car seat harnesses spread the force across a large area of the body. – A rear-facing car seat spreads the crash force across the shell of the seat, protecting the child's head, neck and spinal cord. 8-year-old correctly restrained A quick change in speed is what causes injury. – During a motor vehicle crash, the vehicle crush zones help to extend the time it takes for the vehicle and its occupants to slow down. – Car seats, booster seats, and seat belts allow the body to slow down with the crash. This extends the time when the occupant experiences the forces during a crash. A shoulder belt or harness helps to keep the head and upper body away from the hard interior surface of the vehicle. ! ! 15-year-old correctly restrained ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! % % An occupant’s chance of survival increases! dramatically when appropriately restrained % Page 3-6 TIPS FOR DISCUSSING INJURY PREVENTION • Make sure children are safe in and around vehicles – even when not on the road. • Caregivers must be educated on avoiding a vehicle backover, ensuring children are not accidentally locked in vehicle trunks, and preventing children from being caught in a power window. • Injury prevention requires education, supervision, and attention. % Wearing%a%seat%belt%enables%a%person%to%receive%the%full%benefit%% of%the%air%bag%and%other%safety%features%in%the vehicle.% Car%Seats,%Booster%Seats,%Seat%Belts,%and%Air%Bags%=%The%Best%Chance%of%Survival% Answer the following questions to prepare for conversations you will have with caregivers to educate them about injury prevention and crash dynamics. 1. What are two challenges related to children, crash survival and car seat, booster seat, and seat belt use? 2. What are the three crashes involved in every vehicle collision? 3. What is the equation for estimating restraining force? 4. How much force would a 10-pound infant in a vehicle moving at 40 mph require to keep from moving forward? 5. What are the five ways car seats, booster seats, and seat belts help prevent or reduce injuries? ! ! Page 3-7 MODULE 3 • Injury Prevention & Crash Dynamics Progress Check and Summary ! Page 3-8 MODULE 4 National Child Passenger Safety Certification Training Program Seat Belt Systems Objectives • Identify federal standards related to seat belts. • Name types of seat belts and seat belt parts. • Describe types of latchplates. • Describe types of retractors. • Locate latchplates and retractors. • Identify approved additional locking steps. • Explain best practices about seat belt systems to caregivers. FEDERAL STANDARDS FOR SEAT BELTS NHTSA sets Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) for seat belts and other safety features. FMVSS 208 regulates seat belts and frontal air bags. • Beginning with 1996 vehicle models, all passenger seat belt systems must lock to secure car seats. Driver seat belt systems do not lock because car seats are NOT installed in this position. • Since 2008, lap-and-shoulder belts are required in all seating positions, except some front center seating positions. RESOURCE ON FEDERAL STANDARDS Quick Reference Guide to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards and Regulations is located on the NCPSB website. Types of Seat Belts There are two types of seat belt systems found in vehicles – lap belts and lap-and-shoulder belts. A lap belt: • Offers 2-point protection because it connects with the body in two places – at each hip. • Does not provide upper body protection. Lap belt A lap-and-shoulder belt: • Offers 3-point protection because it connects with the body in three places – at each hip and at the shoulder. • Provides upper body protection. A"lap"belt"is"better"than"no"seat"belt"at"all,"but"a"" lap1and1shoulder"belt"provides"better"protection." Lap-and-shoulder belt Page 4-1 Seat Belt Parts Seat belts have five main parts. ! ! Buckles accept the latchplate and hold the seat belt in place. ! ! Anchors attach the seat belts to a strong location in the vehicle. ! Latchplates connect the seat belt webbing to a buckle in the vehicle. Retractors gather and store extra webbing in the vehicle. Most lap-and-shoulder seat belts have one retractor that holds the webbing for both the lap and shoulder webbing. Some lapand-shoulder belts have two retractors – one for the lap belt and one for the shoulder belt. Retractors are usually covered in a vehicle and not easy to see. Webbing is the fabric part of the seat belt that crosses the person or holds the car seat or booster seat. Buckle Retractor Anchor Webbing Latchplate All"vehicles"have"been"required"to"have"a"locking"seat"belt"feature," either"at"the"retractor"or"the"latchplate"since"1996." This"is"called"the"lockability"standard." TYPES OF LATCHPLATES There are different types of latchplates that you will encounter while checking car seats. • • • • • Locking Switchable Sliding Sewn-on Dynamic locking Locking latchplate Page 4-2 Locking Latchplate A locking latchplate on the seat belt can be found in older vehicles and in the center seat of some newer vehicles. ! Some have a locking bar found on the bottom or back. The bar moves back and forth, as well as up and down. It can be made of metal or plastic. ! Not all locking latchplates look the same. Some have a bar while others have a sliding metal or plastic piece. ! ! ! If the seat belt webbing and latchplate lie flat, the latchplate will lock. If the latchplate is tilted, the latchplate will remain unlocked. The steps to test if the latchplate locks are: 1. Buckle the seat belt. 2. Give a firm tug on the lap portion of the seat belt while pulling up on it. If the webbing does not slide through the latchplate, it is locked. Locking latchplate with sliding metal piece – front and back Locking latchplate with plastic piece Switchable Latchplate Some vehicles have a switchable latchplate that uses a button to move from the unlocked position for adults to the locked position for car seats (children). Locking parts from a switchable latchplate – front and back Sliding and Sewn-on Latchplates While all seat belts will lock in a crash, not all seat belts have a latchplate that will lock to secure a car seat. • Sliding and sewn-on latchplates have no locking feature or moving parts. Sliding latchplate found only on lap-and-shoulder systems Page 4-3 MODULE 4 • Seat Belt Systems ! Sliding and Sewn-on Latchplates (continued) • Sliding latchplates are found on lap-and-shoulder belts. Sewn-on latchplates can be on lap belts and lap-andshoulder seat belts. • To test if these latchplates have a locking feature, buckle the seat belt and pull up on the lap portion of the seat belt. The webbing will slip through a sliding latchplate and will NOT lock. • Sewn-on latchplates can be found on both lap-belt-only and lap-and-shoulder seat belts. • Sewn-on latchplate found on lap-only and lap-and-shoulder seat belts With a sewn-on latchplate, test the seat belt – NOT the latchplate. Buckle the seat belt and test to see if it locks by firmly pulling up on the lap portion of the seat belt. The seat belt webbing will not lengthen if some type of locking mechanism has been engaged. Dynamic Locking Latchplate New technology can be introduced at any time. These new products may look similar to current hardware available in vehicles, but may function differently. To ensure you are using a new product correctly, you MUST refer to the vehicle owner’s manual. Dynamic locking latchplates are currently located in the front seat of some vehicles and lock the lap-and-shoulder belt when loaded by an occupant during a crash. This latchplate is NOT intended to lock the seat belt for a car seat. • Some dynamic locking latchplates may seem to lock the seat belt when you buckle it across an empty seat and pull upward on the lap portion. The caregiver could believe that it is safe since it seems to lock. • The caregiver should move the car seat to a different position or take additional steps as recommended in the vehicle owner’s manual to lock the seat belt that has a dynamic locking latchplate. • Even if you see moving parts on a latchplate, do NOT assume it is a locking latchplate. Test for lockability and check the vehicle owner’s manual. Page 4-4 TIP FOR DISCUSSING UNUSUAL LOCKING PROCEDURES Always check the vehicle owner's manual to learn about unusual seat belt locking features when you cannot find a way to lock the seat belt. Dynamic locking latchplate Progress Check: Latchplates 1. What are the two types of latchplates that can be locked? 2. What is the step to put a locking latchplate into the locking mode? 4. What is one way to determine if a latchplate can be locked for car seats? 5. What types of latchplates cannot be locked? Differences Between Types of Latchplates Types of Latchplates Locking Description • Found in older vehicles and in some newer vehicles. • Moving parts lock the lap belt webbing. • Locking bar found on the bottom or back moves back and forth in a horizontal slot • If seat belt webbing and latchplate lie flat, latchplate locks. If tilted, latchplate remains unlocked. To test for a locking feature, buckle seat belt and pull up on lap portion of seat belt. The lap belt webbing will not lengthen as you pull up on it if the latchplate is locked. Switchable Button moves from unlocked position for adults to locked position for car seats (children). Use the same test to confirm the latchplate is locked. Sliding and Sewn-On • Typically found on lap-and-shoulder belts. • May have no locking feature or moving parts. To test for a locking feature, buckle seat belt and pull up on lap portion of seat belt. The lap belt webbing will lengthen as you pull up on it if there is no locking feature. • Sewn-on latchplates are found in center rear and front seating positions of some cars, school buses, and many older vans. • With a sewn-on latchplate, test seat belt, not the latchplate. Buckle the seat belt and test to see if it is locked by firmly pulling the lap portion of seat belt up. Seat belt webbing will not lengthen if some type of locking mechanism has been engaged. Dynamic Locking • Located in front seat of some vehicles and will lock the lap-and-shoulder belt in a crash. Not intended to provide locking of seat belt for a car seat. • May look like a locking latchplate. Test for lockability and check the vehicle owner’s manual. • To use with a car seat, caregiver MUST take additional steps described in the vehicle owner’s manual. Page 4-5 MODULE 4 • Seat Belt Systems 3. What is the step to put a switchable latchplate into the locking mode? TYPES OF RETRACTORS In some vehicles the retractor – not the latchplate – provides the locking part needed to keep a car seat in place at all times. The purpose of the retractor is to store the excess webbing. These retractors are usually present when a non-locking latchplate (sliding, sewn-on, or dynamic locking) is present. When talking to caregivers, try not to use technical terms and abbreviations to explain how a part works. First, explain and demonstrate how a part works. Then, make sure caregivers practice what to do and are able to explain how it works. Emergency Locking Retractor You are most familiar with an emergency locking retractor (ELR) since you probably use it every day as a driver. As the name implies, an emergency locking retractor locks only in a sudden stop, acceleration, turn, or crash. This retractor type, along with one of the non-locking latchplates – sliding, sewn-on, or dynamic locking – cannot secure a car seat without an extra, approved step. Emergency locking retractor (ELR) Seat belts with emergency locking retractors can be found in lap-only, shoulder-only, or lap-and-shoulder belts. You cannot identify an emergency locking retractor just by looking at the seat belt. You MUST test the seat belt to determine if there is a locking feature. • FMVSS required a lockability feature on vehicles made after 1996. • If the vehicle is older than 1996, you might have a locking latchplate, but it is more likely that the seat belt retractor is an emergency locking retractor with a sliding latchplate and without locking ability. In that case, you will have to use an approved step to put the seat belt into a locked mode (locking clip or car seat lock-off). Automatic Locking Retractors Automatic locking retractors (ALR) are generally easy to use with car seats, but are almost never found in newer vehicles. • Some seat belts with automatic locking retractors may appear to have no locking ability if tested when the seat belt is pulled out a very short distance (less than 12 to 18 inches) from the retractor. That 12 to 18-inch space is known as the dead-zone and may fool you into thinking the seat belt has no locking ability. Page 4-6 STEPS TO TEST FOR AN EMERGENCY LOCKING RETRACTOR 1. Pull all the webbing slowly and gently out of the retractor. 2. Allow some of the webbing to go back into the retractor. 3. Try to pull the webbing out again very slowly. If the webbing goes freely in and out of the retractor after you have pulled out all of the webbing, you have an emergency locking retractor. NOTE: When you do this test, do not pull quickly or jerk the webbing because this might trigger the emergency locking features of the retractor. Automatic Locking Retractors (continued) • STEPS TO TEST FOR AN AUTOMATIC LOCKING RETRACTOR 1. Pull 24 to 36 inches of webbing slowly and gently out of the retractor. 2. Allow some of the webbing (3 to 6 inches) to spool back in the retractor. 3. Gently pull the webbing. If no webbing comes out, then the retractor is an automatic locking retractor. Automatic locking retractor (ALR) Switchable Retractors Switchable retractors start out in an unlocked “comfortable” mode for adult occupants and switch to a locked mode for use with a car seat. A switchable retractor with a sliding latchplate is the most common system you will encounter in the field. • Just like the switchable latchplate, you manually have to change this retractor from an emergency mode to the always or automatic locking mode. • Once switched to the automatic locking retractor mode, this belt will only shorten and cannot be lengthened. To return to the emergency locking mode, this belt must be unbuckled and then all of the webbing fed back into the retractor. Switchable retractors can be found in vehicles with: • • Lap-belt-only Lap-and-shoulder belt Switchable retractor Page 4-7 MODULE 4 • Seat Belt Systems " " " " " " " The true test of seat belt system locking is to pull firmly up on the lap part of the buckled seat belt. The belt should not lengthen. You can also put the belt around yourself and if it locks in place and continues to get smaller and cannot lengthen, you have identified an automatic locking retractor. Switchable Retractors (continued) Seat belts with switchable retractors switch to a tight, locked seat belt to install a car seat. A switchable retractor switches to an automatic locking retractor by pulling the belt all the way out slowly. • You may find instructions on the seat belt webbing for how to use the seat belt with a car seat but many switchable retractors do not come with a label. Test the retractor to be certain. • A seat belt with a switchable retractor fits the adult comfortably and will lock only in an emergency such as a crash, acceleration, sudden stop, or turn. It should only be switched to the locking position to install a car seat or, in some cases, a booster seat. Remember,"correct"installation"of"a"car"seat"requires" the"seat"belt"to"be"locked"at"all"times." NO RETRACTOR Some lap belts have no retractor and the webbing lies freely on the seat. STEPS TO TEST FOR A SWITCHABLE RETRACTOR 1. Slowly pull out all of the webbing from the retractor. Be careful not to pull too quickly on the webbing because this might trigger the emergency locking mechanism. 2. When you have pulled all the webbing out of the retractor, let a few inches go back in. You probably will hear a clicking sound as the webbing goes back into the retractor. 3. Pull on webbing. If the webbing will not pull out again, the belt is locked you have confirmed the seat belt has a switchable retractor. Progress Check: Retractors 1. What are the two types of retractors that can lock in a car seat? 2. How can an emergency locking retractor be identified? 3. What are the steps to identify a switchable retractor? Page 4-8 Practice Activity: Locate Latchplates and Retractors The goal of this practice activity is to correctly identify seat belt latchplates and retractors. 1. For each vehicle, write the vehicle number and mark the seating location in the column on the left side of each table. First Assigned Vehicle Vehicle # Seating Position D Second Assigned Vehicle Latchplate: Vehicle # Locking Locking Switchable Switchable Sliding Sliding Sewn-on Sewn-on Seating Position Retractor: D ALR Driver Seating Position D Driver Retractor: ALR Driver Switchable Switchable ELR ELR None None Third Assigned Vehicle Vehicle # Latchplate: Fourth Assigned Vehicle Latchplate: Vehicle # Latchplate: Locking Locking Switchable Switchable Sliding Sliding Sewn-on Sewn-on Seating Position Retractor: D ALR Driver Retractor: ALR Switchable Switchable ELR ELR None None Page 4-9 MODULE 4 • Seat Belt Systems 2. Locate the seat belt latchplate and retractor for each vehicle and seating location and enter it in the column on the right side of each table. APPROVED ADDITIONAL LOCKING STEPS In vehicles made before 1996, seat belts were not federally required to provide a locking feature. Some vehicles did have the locking feature, but it was voluntary on the part of the manufacturer. Vehicle manufacturers approved two additional steps to secure a car seat in vehicles where neither the retractor nor the latchplate can be locked at all times. • • With a lap-and-shoulder belt, a locking clip/lock-off is one of the approved additional steps. • You should NEVER use a belt-shortening clip with a lap belt that has a locking latchplate. With a lap belt with a sewn-on latchplate, belt-shortening clips are the approved additional step. Locking Clip/Lock-Off Three conditions must be present to use a locking clip. • • • Retractor = emergency locking Latchplate = sliding Lap-and-shoulder belt is one piece of webbing Locking clips (lock-offs) come on the car seats from the factory. Locking clip stored on car seat for removal and use • A locking clip clamps the tightened lap-and-shoulder belt together within 1 inch of the latchplate to make the lap belt a fixed length. • A lock-off can be on either side of the car seat and must be used according to the car seat manufacturer. This also locks to make the lap belt a fixed length. It is the fixed length lap belt that locks a car seat in place. • They can be permanently attached to the car seat (lock-off) or can be separately stored on the car seat for removal and use by the consumer. Either a lock-off or locking clip is safe to use. They perform the same function. Do NOT use a locking clip if a lock-off is present on the seat. • A locking clip locks the lap-and-shoulder belts together so the car seat does not move more than 1 inch side-to-side or front-to-back at the belt path. • Locking clips MUST be placed according to the manufacturer instructions. Unless instructed otherwise, place the locking clip no more than 1 inch from the latchplate. • Incorrect placement of the locking clip can lead to too much slack in the seat belt in a crash and can result in serious injury to the child. • The locking clip (lock-off) is a temporary fix until the retractor engages in a crash. The locking clip can come off in a crash. Page 4-10 Lock-off VIDEO • Install a Locking Clip RESOURCES FOR LOCKING CLIPS Record steps you observe to install a locking clip. Belt-Shortening Clip Three conditions must be present to use a belt-shortening clip: • • • Retractor = emergency locking Latchplate = sewn-on No locking feature (there may or may not be a separate shoulder belt) Belt-shortening clips are another approved additional step to use if you are educating caregivers who have an older vehicle that has no locking features in the seat belt system. The belt-shortening clip takes the place of the retractor as all the webbing is pulled out of the retractor and shortened with the belt-shortening clip. Belt-shortening clip • Frequently, this type of seat belt is found in the front seat of an older car with a motorized shoulder belt and a separate lap belt. • You can often move a car seat to a back seat location, but in some vans and school buses there will be no other seating position. • There are times when only a belt-shortening clip will provide the locking feature on a lap belt because neither the retractor nor the latchplate locks. • While the stronger belt-shortening clip could be used in place of a locking clip (that comes free with a car seat), the locking clip NEVER takes the place of the belt-shortening clip to shorten a seat belt. • Use belt-shortening clips as a last resort. Carefully assess all other alternatives before using this clip. • Belt-shortening clips are considered vehicle parts (have a part number) and can be purchased at the parts department of an auto dealership. Page 4-11 MODULE 4 • Seat Belt Systems • The Install a Locking Clip video is located on the NCPSB website. View it periodically to keep your skills fresh. • A job aid with photographs and installation steps is also located on the NCPSB website and in the Appendix of your TG. Be sure to have it available when educating caregivers. Belt-Shortening Clip (continued) Belt1shortening"clips"are"made" of"heavier"metal."A"belt1 shortening"clip"can"be"used"as" a"locking"clip,"but"a"locking" clip"can"NEVER"be"used"to" perform"belt1shortening." " " " " " " " Belt-shortening clip vs. locking clip VIDEO • Install a Belt-Shortening Clip RESOURCES FOR BELTSHORTENING Record steps you observe to install a belt-shortening clip. • The Install a BeltShortening Clip video is located on the NCPSB website. View it periodically to keep your skills fresh. • A job aid with photographs and installation steps is also located on the NCPSB website and in the Appendix of your TG. Be sure to have it available when educating caregivers. Whether"new"or"experienced,"knowing"when"you"must"use"a"belt1shortening" clip"can"be"a"challenge."Do"not"hesitate"to"call"on"others"with"more"experience" to"help." When to Use a Locking Clip/Lock-off Vs. a Belt-Shortening Clip Locking Clip/Lock-Off Belt-Shortening Clip Found on every car seat with a harness Purchased from auto dealer Used with lap-shoulder belt with emergency locking retractor and sliding latchplate Used on lap portion of seat belt with emergency locking retractor and sewn-on latchplate Used only on seat belt with retractor as backup Used in place of retractor: no retractor backup available NEVER used to replace belt-shortening clip or to shorten a seat belt Can be used in place of locking clip Page 4-12 Flip Latchplate and/or Twist Buckle Stalk Sometimes, even seat belts that are designed to lock cannot because of the car seat belt path. • Check the vehicle owner’s manual to see if the manufacturer does not allow twisting a seat belt to shorten the webbing. • Not all latchplates allow for flipping. Flipped latchplate Twisting the buckle stalk is helpful when the buckle does not lie flat, is in the car seat belt path, or does not allow the belt to be locked with an additional part. This will make the buckle webbing shorter and buckle lower. • Check the vehicle owner’s manual to see if buckle twisting is allowed. • Be sure the buckle release is accessible after twisting. Twisted buckle stalk Additional Reasons to Flip a Latchplate or Twist a Buckle Stalk Sometimes when a seat belt passes through the car seat belt path as directed by the manufacturer, the latchplate will be positioned so that the locking mechanism is tilted and does not hold the car seat tightly. The seat belt is probably out of position and cannot lock. Remember that the webbing and latchplate must be flat to stay locked. Follow these approved steps: 1. Flip the latchplate over one time to engage the latchplate’s locking feature. This changes the locking angle. Always test the seat belt to be certain it remains locked tightly. 2. Twist the buckle stalk if it is made of webbing. • • Best practice is to twist as little as is necessary to obtain a tight seat belt fit. ALWAYS use a minimum number of twists, with a maximum of three. The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) Child Restraint Subcommittee, based on IMMI (seat belt webbing company) data, agreed upon this number. It is approved to use a locking clip on a lap-and-shoulder seat belt with a locking latchplate as a last resort. If flipping the latchplate and twisting the buckle webbing do not keep the seat belt from pulling out, you can use a locking clip. Page 4-13 MODULE 4 • Seat Belt Systems Unbuckling and flipping the latchplate over is a step that has been crash-tested and is approved for use in most vehicles if the locking latchplate is tilted and stays in an unlocked position. Additional Reasons to Flip a Latchplate or Twist a Buckle Stalk (continued) It is important to remember to check the manufacturer’s instructions for both steps, as some buckles cannot be twisted and some latchplates cannot be flipped. Most manuals, however, will not mention or prohibit flipping latchplates or twisting buckle stalks. RESOURCE ON TWISTING SEAT BELTS IMMI Memorandum on Twisting Seat Belts can be found on the NCPSB Board website. Explain Best Practices About Seat Belt Systems to Caregivers There are key questions to ask caregivers related to seat belt systems. Explain and demonstrate best practices to caregivers. KEY QUESTIONS ! ! ! ! How many child passengers are you transporting? ! ! ! Do the seat belts in the vehicle have a locking feature (vehicles since 1996)? What are their ages and weights? What types of seat belt systems are in the vehicle? Are the seat belt systems – buckle, retractor, anchors, webbing, and latchplate – in good working order? Does the seat belt lock at the latchplate or the retractor? What are the latchplate and retractor types? BEST PRACTICES Test whether a latchplate provides a locking feature. 1. Buckle the seat belt. 2. Give a firm tug on the lap portion of the seat belt while pulling up on it. Test whether the retractor provides a locking feature. 1. 2. 3. 4. Pull all the webbing slowly and gently out of the retractor. Allow some of the webbing to go back into the retractor. Try to pull the webbing out again very slowly. If the webbing goes freely in and out of the retractor, you have an emergency locking retractor. If the webbing stays locked and makes a clicking noise when you let it go back in, then you have an automatic locking retractor. If it moves freely but then locks when you pull all of the webbing out, you have a switchable retractor. Determine when to use a locking clip. You must have the following: 1. Emergency locking retractor 2. Sliding latchplate 3. Lap-and-shoulder belt is all one piece of webbing Determine when to use a belt-shortening clip. You must have the following: 1. Emergency locking retractor 2. Sewn-on latchplate 3. A separate lap belt with no locking feature. There may or may not be a separate shoulder belt. Page 4-14 Progress Check Fill in the correct answers from the right-hand column for each of the questions. 1. Name the latchplates that do not lock before a crash. Emergency locking retractor ________________________, ______________________, and ________________________ Switchable retractor 2. Which retractor has no locking feature under normal driving conditions? Dynamic locking latchplate _____________________________________________________ Locking latchplate 3. What tool would you use with an emergency locking retractor lap belt and sewn-on latchplate to secure a car seat? Sliding latchplate _____________________________________________________ Sewn-on latchplate Switchable latchplate 4. What retractor is always locked when it is buckled under normal driving conditions? Locking clip _____________________________________________________ Lock-off Belt-shortening clip 5. What retractor changes from one mode to another? Flipping the latchplate _____________________________________________________ VIDEO • Install a Car Seat with a Locking Latchplate Record steps you observe to install a car seat with a locking latchplate. Page 4-15 RESOURCES FOR VEHICLES WITH LOCKING Locking latchplate LATCHPLATES • The Install a Car Seat with a Locking Latchplate video is located on the NCPSB website. View it periodically to keep your skills fresh. • A job aid with photographs and installation steps is also located on the NCPSB website and in the Appendix of your TG. Be sure to have it available when educating caregivers. MODULE 4 • Seat Belt Systems Automatic locking retractor VIDEO • Install Car Seat w/Automatic Locking Retractor Record steps you observe to install a car seat with an automatic locking retractor. RESOURCES ON VEHICLES WITH AN AUTOMATIC LOCKING RETRACTOR • This Install a Car Seat with an Automatic Locking Retractor video is located on the NCPSB website. View it periodically to keep your skills fresh. • A job aid with photographs and installation steps is also located on the NCPSB website and in the Appendix of your TG. Be sure to have it available when educating caregivers. Page 4-16 MODULE 5 National Child Passenger Safety Certification Training Program Air Bags OBJECTIVES • Describe the purpose and function of air bags. • Identify features, warnings, and markings related to air bags for frontal and side impacts. • Identify features of inflatable seat belts. • Locate air bag information in owner’s manuals and vehicles. • Explain best practices about air bags to caregivers. INTRODUCTION TO AIR BAGS: AUTOMATIC CRASH PROTECTION Automatic crash protection includes many safety features that are built into the vehicle that do NOT require occupants to do anything to be protected. In other words, NO occupant action is required. Many people are unaware of the automatic systems in a vehicle, particularly all of the air bags that are designed to protect them in a crash. Examples: Laminated windshields, instrument panel padding, door trim padding, and air bags that open (deploy) when the vehicle determines there has been a crash. PURPOSE AND FUNCTION OF AIR BAGS An air bag is a vehicle safety device made up of a flexible fabric envelope designed to rapidly deploy (open) when the vehicle determines there has been a crash. The$purpose$of$an$air$bag$is$to$help$reduce$the$occupant’s$speed$ during$a$collision$and$reduce$the$possibility$of$injury.$ Air bags can be: • Found in most vehicles on the road today. Every vehicle should be checked for air bags. The owner’s manual should be reviewed for locations and specific instructions for the air bags in that vehicle. • Almost anywhere in a vehicle. Proper positioning and use of car seats, booster seats, and seat belts are needed to prevent injury when a crash occurs and an air bag suddenly opens. How Do Air Bags Work? An air bag can only deploy once and MUST be replaced after a crash. Using the air bag with the seat belt allows the crash forces to spread over a large part of the occupant’s body instead of concentrating the crash forces on a smaller part of the body. Air bags are found in most vehicles on the road today Page 5-1 How Do Air Bags Work? (continued) • Air bags do NOT deploy in every crash. • Seat belts also provide protection in crashes that do NOT deploy air bags, such as rear impacts, some rollovers, sudden stops, or less severe crashes. Use your seat belt whether or not there is an active air bag. Important considerations related to air bags include: • Never put a rear-facing car seat in front of an active frontal air bag. • Avoid leaning against an air bag’s opening or putting other objects in front of an air bag’s opening. • Always sit in an upright position, correctly buckled into the seat belt. • Read the owner’s manual carefully. It has information about air bags and instructions for their use. • Assume all air bags are fully active unless the owner’s manual says differently. Each$vehicle$ manufacturer$places$ labels$in$different$ positions$and$may$call$ their$air$bag$systems$ something$different.$ Seat belts & air bags work together to provide protection to vehicle occupants AIR BAGS FOR FRONTAL IMPACT Driver and front passenger air bags offer powerful protection to front seat occupants who are correctly seated and restrained. Frontal crash air bags work with seat belts to protect front seat occupants. The air bags add extra protection to the adult head and chest in a crash. There are several kinds of air bags for frontal crashes: ! ! Driver air bags are found in the steering wheel. ! Knee air bags may be present in the vehicle. Front seat passenger air bags are found in the instrument panel, over the glove box. While some passenger air bags cover both the middle and right front passenger seating positions, others only cover the right front seating position. Page 5-2 Classifications of Front Passenger Air Bags Passenger air bags can be classified as one of three types: 1. Air bags that are always on or active in the vehicle 2. Air bags that can be turned on and off using a manual switch 3. Air bags that are automatically turned on and off by the vehicle based on the occupant seated in the front passenger seat Each of the three types has unique features and characteristics. Many vehicles, especially those made before the 2004 model year, have passenger air bags that are always on or active in the vehicle. The passenger air bag in these vehicles CANNOT be turned off in the presence of a car seat or booster seat. ! NEVER place a rear-facing car seat in the front passenger seat. If the passenger air bag deploys in a crash, the child may be severely injured or killed by the force of the air bag. ! If a forward-facing child must sit in the front passenger seat, move the vehicle seat as far back from the air bag as possible and make sure the child is seated in an appropriate car seat or booster seat. Instruct the child NOT to lean forward in the seat toward the air bag. 2. Air Bags that Turn On and Off Using a Manual Switch Some vehicles, especially those without a back seat such as some pickup trucks, or with a very small back seat, may be equipped with a manual switch to turn the passenger air bag on and off. In these vehicles: ! Caregivers must check the owner’s manual to understand the proper operation of the on/off switch in their vehicle. Most are operated by the vehicle’s ignition key. ! If a forward-facing child must sit in the front passenger seat, the switch must be in the “off” position. A light near the on/off switch will be lit whenever the passenger air bag has been turned off. If the indicator is NOT lit, a child should NOT be allowed to ride in the front seat. Statistics$show$that$ children$are$safer$in$the$ rear$seat.$It$is$strongly$ recommended$that$all$ children$under$13$travel$ in$the$rear$seat$$ (AAP,$2007).$ NOTE: Forgetting to turn the switch back “on” for adult passengers is a common error made by drivers of these vehicles. Typical on/off switch Page 5-3 MODULE 5 • Air Bags 1. Air Bags that are Always On or Active in the Vehicle Classifications of Front Passenger Air Bags (continued) 3. Air Bags that Automatically Turn On and Off with An Occupant in Front Passenger Seat Since the 2004 model year, most vehicles have been equipped with systems that automatically turn the passenger air bag on and off. Vehicle manufacturers use a variety of methods to detect the front occupant, but the following applies for every vehicle with an automatic on/off system: ! Caregivers need to understand the specific systems and indicators in their vehicle. Remind them to check their owner’s manual. ! Caregivers should always assume the air bag is on if they are not sure. NEVER place a rear-facing car seat in a seating position with an active front air bag unless the vehicle owner’s manual allows it. ! Since not all vehicles have the same system, it is important that the caregiver understands what the indicators in their vehicle mean. Caregivers must ensure that the air bag is “off” for the child sizes and conditions listed in the owner’s manual. For all other occupants, the air bag should be turned “on.” ! Just because a vehicle is new, do NOT assume the passenger air bag will have an automatic on/off system. Some newer vehicles have air bags that are always “on,” just like in older vehicles. TIPS FOR DISCUSSING AUTOMATIC ON/OFF SYSTEMS • Remind caregivers to use the back seat for children, even if there is an automatic on/off system for a passenger air bag. • Automatic on/off systems can misclassify occupants in the front seat under certain conditions – carefully check all warnings in the owner’s manual. Indicator lights “Never&install&a&rear-facing&child&restraint&in&the&front&seat&unless&it&is&allowed&by&the& vehicle&manufacturer&and&there&is&no&other&alternative.&When&allowed&by&the&vehicle& manufacturer,&make&sure&the&passenger&air&bag&is&off&and&stays&off&for&the&entire&trip.& Refer&to&the&vehicle&owner’s&manual.”& ! The!Alliance!of!Automobile!Manufacturers Front Air Bag Warnings and Markings It is important to be knowledgeable about the typical locations of air bag warnings and markings in the vehicle. ! For air bags that deploy in frontal crashes, the warning label will always be located on the sun visor and you will typically find additional markings on or near the cover of the air bag. ! Always check the vehicle owner’s manual to find more information about air bags for front crashes, as each vehicle manufacturer places labels in different positions and may use different terms. Page 5-4 Front Air Bag Warnings and Markings (continued) Examples of acronyms for front air bags are: • • SRS = Supplemental Restraint System SIR = Supplemental Inflatable Restraint MODULE 5 • Air Bags Example of front air bag label Example of front air bag marking AIR BAGS FOR SIDE IMPACT Air bags that deploy for side crashes or rollovers are designed to fill the space between the occupant and the door and/or window. Side air bags: ! ! May be found in both the front and rear rows of vehicles. ! Are generally smaller than front air bags. Are NOT required in all vehicles, unlike front air bags. Owner’s manuals refer to optional equipment by saying “if equipped.” Check the vehicle to be sure if it has a side air bag in this case. When side air bags are present, they can be found in various places such as in the door, inside the vehicle seat (seat back or under the seat) or in the roof (“inflatable curtains” or “canopies”). The front center air bag is found in the right (inside) side of the driver’s seat. Front center air bags: • Open from the right side of the driver’s seat and deploy forward, between the seat and the center console. • Are labeled on the right side of the seat. Many vehicle manufacturers follow industry standards to minimize the risk of injury from all types of side air bags. • • Usually, children may sit near side air bags without risk of injury. • • The owner’s manual for the car seat or booster seat must also allow use near a side air bag. Check the vehicle owner’s manual to be sure. The owner’s manual will always warn if a car seat or booster seat CANNOT be installed next to a side air bag. If either of the owner’s manuals forbids using a car seat or booster seat next to the side air bag, put it in a different seating position in the vehicle. Page 5-5 Side Air Bag Warnings and Markings Warning labels for air bags that deploy in side crashes may be found almost anywhere in the vehicle, including: • • • In the door opening. On the end of the instrument panel. Near the air bag. Caregivers should be shown any warning labels in the vehicle and should be familiar with the specific warnings. These labels are NOT regulated by NHTSA, so they all look different. Like front air bags, side impact air bags usually have a label or marking to show where the air bag comes out in a crash. Example of side air bag warning These can be found: • • • On the side of the seat Near the edge of the roof On the opening or the side of the door Always check the vehicle owner’s manual to find more information about air bags for side crashes. Examples of acronyms for side air bags are: • SABIC = Side Air Bag Inflatable Curtain. • SAB = Side Air Bag. Example of side air bag marking Example of seat-mounted air bag marking INFLATABLE SEAT BELTS Another type of air bag system is an inflatable seat belt. An inflatable seat belt: • • Generally opens in frontal, side, and rollover crashes. • Has two retractors and a sewn-on latchplate. The lap belt has a switchable retractor to secure a car seat. • Spreads belt loads over a greater area of the chest than standard seat belts and provides additional head and neck support during a crash. Is located in the shoulder portion of the lap-and-shoulder seat belt. The lap portion of the belt is separate webbing that does NOT inflate in a crash. Check the car seat owner’s manual to determine if the car seat or booster seat can be used with an inflatable seat belt. Inflatable seat belt Page 5-6 Practice Activity: Locate Front and Side Air Bag Information in Owner’s Manuals & Vehicles Locate air bag information in two different owner’s manuals and vehicles. 1. Work in small groups. 2. Using the owner’s manuals provided, document the vehicle’s air bag information. 3. In addition to information you find in the owner’s manuals, locate and document missing or additional information from inside the vehicle. Vehicle 1 Vehicle 2 " " Yes " " Yes " " Always on Manually switched on and off Automatically switched on and off " " Always on Manually switched on and off Automatically switched on and off 1. What is the vehicle make and model? 2. Describe the location of all labels/markings for frontal air bags. 3. Can a rear-facing car seat be installed in the front passenger seat? No No 4. What pages in the owner’s manual discuss the frontal air bag system? 5. Which type of passenger air bag system does the vehicle have? " 6. Describe the location of all labels/markings for side impact air bags. 7. What pages in the owner’s manual discuss the side air bag system? Page 5-7 " MODULE 5 • Air Bags Question/Instruction Explain Best Practices About Air Bags to Caregivers There are key questions to answer related to air bags. Explain and demonstrate best practices to caregivers. Key Questions Pertaining to Air Bags ! ! ! What types of air bags are in the vehicle? Where are air bags found in the vehicle? Is the passenger air bag automatically switched on and off in the vehicle? – – ! If the feature is present, where is the indicator light or lights? Under what conditions does the vehicle automatically switch the passenger air bag on and off? How do the vehicle’s air bags affect the car seat or booster seat? Best Practices Caregivers need to understand how air bags protect them, and how car seats and booster seats work when used near air bags. ! Follow both vehicle and car seat manufacturer instructions for proper installation and use of car seats and booster seats in the presence of air bags. ! Remind caregivers to look in each vehicle they use to transport children to know where all the air bags are located – even in rented vehicles. Air bags may work differently in different vehicles. Progress Check and Summary 1. What is the purpose of air bags? 2. What are the crash types in which air bags are designed to deploy? 3. What are three types of passenger air bags? 4. What must you do with air bags after a crash? Page 5-8 MODULE 6 National Child Passenger Safety Certification Training Program Lower Anchors & Tethers for CHildren OBJECTIVES • Describe lower anchors and tether anchors. • Recognize lower anchor and tether anchor symbols and locations. • Explain lower anchor and tether anchor best practices to caregivers. DESCRIPTION OF LATCH SYSTEM LATCH stands for Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren. • LATCH is an alternative system to install car seats in vehicles using two lower anchors and one tether. For rear-facing car seats, only the two lower anchors are used unless the manufacturer allows rear-facing tethering. • • If you are referring to the lower anchors and tether it is a LATCH system. • Each LATCH set in the vehicle is made up of two lower anchor bars and one tether anchor. If there are lower anchors in a vehicle seating position, there is usually a tether anchor for that seating position. Use a tether when forward-facing. In LATCH use, the car seat must have a set of lower anchor connectors that attach to the vehicle’s set of lower anchors. LATCH symbol • LATCH attaches the car seat to the vehicle through anchor points installed in the vehicle and connectors on the seat. Most vehicles made after 2002 have at least two complete LATCH systems (lower and tether anchors) and one additional tether anchor. • Only seating positions that have a standard LATCH system, as defined in the vehicle owner’s manual, should be used for lower anchor installation unless otherwise specified in both the manufacturer and car seat or booster seat owner’s manuals. Many caregivers install their seat with lower connectors in the rear-center seating position when the vehicle manufacturer may not allow it. • Some vehicles offer standard LATCH in the center, and some vehicle and child restraints manufacturers allow LATCH in the center, even if it is not a standard LATCH position. Remember, two lower connectors should never be attached to one lower anchor. • NEVER install a car seat using lower anchors and the seat belt at the same time unless specifically allowed by both the seat and vehicle manufacturers. It should be one system or the other because that is how the car seat was crash tested. • ALWAYS look in the owner’s manual to determine if a vehicle has lower anchors and tether anchors, and to see which seating positions have a LATCH system or only a tether anchor. A"seating"position"with"a"tether"anchor"only"and"no"lower"anchors"is"NOT"" called"LATCH."That"seating"position"would"use"the"tether"and"seat"belt"to"secure" a"car"seat." " " Page 6-1 Tethers A tether connector holds the back of the car seat and some booster seats against the vehicle seat to reduce the amount of forward and side movement. A tether connector can reduce the distance that the child’s head moves forward in a crash by 4 to 6 inches. This lessens the risk of head injuries in a crash. • Tether anchors have upper weight limits that vary by vehicle manufacturer. • Tethers may be used with lower anchors or seat belts. • Contact the vehicle manufacturer customer service help line to determine the actual tether and lower anchor weight limits approved for that particular vehicle. Car seat held in place by tether • Tether anchors have been required in three vehicle positions since September 2000, but many vehicle manufacturers provided them or marked the tether anchor location in older vehicles so that tether anchors could be installed at a later date. • Tether anchors are sometimes listed under straps in owner’s manuals and are frequently the last item discussed under the car seat or booster seat section. • Tether anchors may look very different in pickup trucks. Refer to the vehicle owner’s manual to ensure correct use. • Encourage caregivers to use tether connectors for forward-facing children whenever possible. Also, encourage caregivers with young children and older vehicles to have tether anchors installed in their vehicles. • Car seats can be secured using lower anchors and tether or a seat belt and tether. Exceptions • Convertibles, sports cars, school buses, and some heavy trucks (over 10,000 pounds gross vehicle weight/GVW) are not required to have tether anchors, though some of these vehicles are still required to have lower anchors. • When a vehicle has lower anchors, but there is no tether anchor, consult the car seat owner’s manual to see if installing the seat with only lower anchors and no tether is allowed. If the owner’s manual says you must use both lower and upper connectors, or if you do not know or cannot find out, then use the seat belt to secure the seat. • An approved integrated (or built-in) car seat may take the place of one of the LATCH positions NHTSA requires. Page 6-2 LATCH Symbols and Locations If a lower anchor is hidden behind fabric or a cover in the vehicle, a symbol near the anchor location should identify its position. TIPS FOR DISCUSSING LATCH SYSTEMS Tether anchor possible locations include: ! ! ! ! ! ! " Ceiling above rear seating positions Rear window shelf Back of vehicle seat Floor of rear cargo area Under vehicle seat Under a flap or door Some vehicle tether anchor locations for forward-facing installations " Page 6-3 MODULE 6 • Lower Anchors & Tethers for CHildren LATCH universal symbol • Anchor weight limits are not always stated in the vehicle or car seat owner's manual. If the manufacturer offers no weight limit, do not use lower anchors or the tether anchor if child + car seat weight is more than 65 pounds. • If a caregiver wants to use the center rear seating position that does not have a LATCH system, they should use the seat belt to secure the car seat. They should also use the tether anchor if there is one for the middle seat. • Whenever possible, have the caregiver locate the tether anchor and lower anchors in their vehicle. • Use the current LATCH Manual (Safe Ride News) for information on installing LATCH. LATCH Symbols and Locations (continued)" Tether anchor on seat back accessed through rear cargo area Routing tether straps in vehicles with head restraints Tether on lower seat back Lower anchor positions can be visible or hidden: ! Labels, buttons, or tags identify lower anchor locations when they are hidden. ! Most vehicles cannot be retrofitted with lower anchors. Visible anchor position Hidden anchor position Page 6-4 Practice Activity: Locate Lower Anchors and Tether Anchors in Owner’s Manuals/Vehicles 1. Using the owner’s manual section provided, find the information listed below about LATCH in the owner’s manual. Vehicle 1: ____________________________ Vehicle 2: ____________________________ LATCH symbol found? Y N Lower anchor symbol found? Y N LATCH locations found? Y N LATCH locations found? Y N Tether anchor found? Y N Tether anchor found? Y N Tether anchor symbol found? Y N Tether anchor symbol found? Y N Page # _____ Page# _____ Now locate LATCH in three different vehicles. Remember, some LATCH parts are easy to use and find while others are not so obvious. 1. Inspect three vehicles to see some differences in the locations of LATCH systems and the words/symbols to describe them. Keep in mind that the LATCH system has two lower anchors and one tether anchor. 2. Document the number of seat belts, number of LATCH seating positions, and tether anchors in the three vehicles on the table below. 3. At the end of this activity, an instructor will install a car seat using LATCH. LATCH Vehicle 1 Vehicle 2 # of seat belts in back seat # of LATCH seating positions # of tether anchors Page 6-5 Vehicle 3 MODULE 6 • Lower Anchors & Tethers for CHildren 2. Locate lower anchor and tether anchor information in two different vehicle owner’s manuals. COMMON LOWER ANCHOR AND TETHER ANCHOR MISUSE Any product can be misused. Misuse rates increase when instructions are not read. PREVENTING TETHER ERRORS • Your job is to help people use their car seat or booster seat according to the manufacturer instructions and encourage caregivers to use the vehicle owner’s manual whenever they transport children. • The only way to know for certain that lower anchors and tether anchors are being used correctly is to use the vehicle and car seat owner’s manuals for guidance. • Both lower anchors and tether anchors have weight limits set by the vehicle and car seat/booster seat manufacturers. To determine the limits of these systems, you must refer to both the car seat and vehicle owner’s manual. • If there are different weight limits listed, the lower limit must be used. If there is no stated weight limit for the vehicle lower anchors or tether anchors, and the car seat lower anchors or tether anchors, you MUST assume that they may be used until the total weight of the child and car seat equals 65 pounds. • Head restraints may make it hard to use tethers the right way. • Some head restraints cannot be removed to allow for a tether strap installation. • Tether straps generally go straight back from the seat to the tether anchor and go under adjustable head restraints or over or around non-adjustable head restraints. Check the vehicle owner’s manual for model specific information. Common Lower Anchor and Tether Anchor Errors Lower Anchors Tether Anchors • Lower anchor connectors not firmly attached to bars Not using tether when available • • • Using a non-approved vehicle seating position • Using seat belt and lower connectors at the same time (unless allowed by manufacturer) • • • Connecting to the wrong tether anchor • Securing 2 car seats or booster seats on 1 anchor bar Not attaching tether via the vehicle manufacturer instructions (routing the strap incorrectly) Tether strap too loose Tether strap used over the vehicle manufacturer weight limit Page 6-6 Explain Best Practices About LATCH to Caregivers There are key questions to answer related to LATCH. Explain and demonstrate best practices to caregivers. ! ! ! ! ! ! Does the caregiver’s vehicle have LATCH? Which seating positions allow the use of LATCH? What is the importance of tethers? Where can you find lower anchors in a vehicle? What might indicate lower anchors in the vehicle? Which is safe and preferable to use for a car seat – lower anchor connectors or the seat belt? Best Practices Answer the following questions to prepare for conversations you will have with caregivers to educate them about LATCH. 1. What should you tell caregivers regarding where to find all the tether anchors and lower anchors in their car, van, SUV, or truck? 2. What can you tell a caregiver who has a 1998 Chrysler 4-door Sebring with no tether anchor and who wants to have one installed? 3. The vehicle has a lower anchor and tether anchor weight limit of 40 pounds. The car seat is rated to 65 pounds. At what weight limit would you need to install the seat using a seat belt instead of lower connectors? Page 6-7 MODULE 6 • Lower Anchors & Tethers for CHildren Key Questions Page 6-8 MODULE 7 National Child Passenger Safety Certification Training Program Introduction to Car Seats & Booster Seats OBJECTIVES • Identify NHTSA’s Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213. • Explain NHTSA’s car seat and booster seat recommendations. • Name car seat and booster seat parts and functions. • Determine how to select the appropriate car seat or booster seat. • Identify car seats for children with special needs. NHTSA’S FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD 213 NHTSA’s Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 213 provides child restraint performance standards for children up to 80 pounds. Vehicle and car seat/booster seat manufacturers are required to self-certify their products as meeting NHTSA’s FMVSS 213. • • These are performance standards and NOT design standards. Performance standards mandate how the product should perform in a crash while the manufacturer determines design. The seat must meet federal crash performance standards. • FMVSS 213 requires that child restraint systems must pass a 30 miles per hour frontal sled test that simulates a crash. NHTSA randomly tests these products to verify they meet the performance standards set forth. • Some specifics include: • – Padding requirements around the head of car seats for use by children weighing 22 pounds or less. – – Meeting flammability standards. Permanent, visible labels on the restraint must include: – – – – • Buckle release pressure. Verification that it conforms to federal standards. Basic instructions for correct installation and use. Name and address of manufacturer/distributor. Date of manufacture. LATCH on car seats must have two parts: – Tether connectors to reduce forward movement or excursion (not required on rear-facing-only seats) – Lower anchors connectors to replace seat belts for installation Manufacturers are required to provide a registration card with the car seat or booster seat and notify consumers of product recalls. The publication FMVSS 213: Highlights of the Regulation for Child Restraint Systems provides more information and can be found on the NCPSB website at www.cpsboard.org. Page 7-1 NHTSA’S CAR SEAT AND BOOSTER SEAT RECOMMENDATIONS Car seats and booster seats should be chosen based on the child’s age and size as well as fit of the seat in the vehicle. Children should be kept in car seats and booster seats for as long as the child fits within the manufacturer’s height and weight requirements. Birth to 12 Months: A child under the age of 1 should ALWAYS ride in a rear-facing car seat. There are different types of rearfacing car seats: rear-facing-only, convertible, and 3-in-1. Rear-facing car seat 1 to 3 Years: Children should ride in rear-facing car seats AS LONG AS POSSIBLE. It is the best way to keep them safe. The child should remain in a rear-facing car seat until he or she reaches the top height or weight limit allowed by the car seat manufacturer. Forward-facing car seat 4 to 7 Years: Children should be kept in a forward-facing car seat with a harness until they reach the top height or weight limit allowed by the car seat manufacturer. 8 to 12 Years: Children should be kept in booster seats until big enough to properly fit in a seat belt. Booster seat NHTSA’s(Ease,of,Use(Rating(is(a(5,star(ratings(system(that( allows(caregivers(to(determine(how(easy(certain(car(seat( and(booster(seat(features(are(to(use(before(they(buy(a(seat.(( ( Go(to(http://www.safercar.gov/parents/carseats(to( download(NHTSA’s(car(seat(and(booster(seat( recommendations(flyer.(( Seat belt A conventional car seat is one that is readily available to the public, usually from a retailer. The conventional types include: rear-facing seat with or without a base, a convertible seat that can be used rear-facing for toddlers and forward-facing for older children, forward-facing only seats, combination seats, high-back, and backless booster seats. NOTE: Safe transportation for many children with health or behavioral needs can be provided with a conventional or special needs car seat. Many children with special needs may be able to ride rear-facing to older ages if they are small and fit in the seat longer. Page 7-2 CAR SEAT AND BOOSTER SEAT PARTS AND FUNCTIONS Car Seat and Booster Seat Labels and Registration Cards • Manufacturers use this information to contact owners about safety issues, including recalls, and are NOT allowed to use owner data for other purposes. • If a caregiver has not sent in a registration form, he or she can submit NHTSA’s Car Seat Registration Form or a registration form online through the manufacturer website. Encourage caregivers to register their car seat. • A car seat or booster seat that is missing its label may be dangerous to use, as recalls cannot be determined. NHTSA’s Recall List includes information on every recalled seat and is updated on an as-needed basis (when new recalls are announced). Recall lists and checklists should be used for every seat check. They can be accessed on a smart phone to ensure up-to-date accuracy. Car seat label Car seat registration card Car Seat and Booster Seat Testing and Recalls While NHTSA does not certify car seats or booster seats before they go to market, they do confirm their standards are being met by randomly testing certain products on the market. • NHTSA also tests products reported by the public or manufacturer to have a potential problem. If a problem is identified, the product may be recalled. • A recall may be initiated through compliance testing or through defect monitoring. A seat that has a recall may be crashworthy and useable until the repair has been made. Follow the manufacturer’s recall instructions. • Manufacturers can identify a need for a recall before involving the government if they are aware of the problem. This information is made available by NHTSA on the Recall List. • Manufacturers may issue a recall and a correction kit if a problem is found with a seat. Many times the consumer can correct the recall at home. Car Seat and Booster Seat Parts and Functions ! ! ! Buckle: Where harness system connects and locks Harness: Straps that keep the child in the car seat and spreads out crash forces Two harness types that meet FMVSS 213 requirements: – 5-Point: Harness has five points of contact that includes one over each shoulder, one on each side of the pelvis, and one between the legs with all five coming together at a common buckle – 3-Point: Harness has three points of contact that includes two shoulder straps coming together at one buckle in the shell or on a crotch strap NOTE: NOT to be confused with 3-point (lap-and-shoulder) vehicle belt Retainer Clip: Plastic buckle or clasp that holds shoulder straps together over the child’s chest and is positioned at child’s armpit level Page 7-3 MODULE 7 • Introduction to Car Seats & Booster Seats All child restraint manufacturers must provide a label on the car seat or booster seat with their contact information. Caregivers are encouraged to register the seat with the manufacturer either online or by mailing in the registration card. CAR SEAT AND BOOSTER SEAT PARTS AND FUNCTIONS (CONTINUED) ! Harness Adjuster: Part used to tighten or loosen the harness ! Harness Slots: Parts of car seat where the harnesses go through the seat shell ! Labels: Information affixed to car seat or booster seat required by federal standards ! Shell/Frame: Molded plastic and/or metal structure of car seat or booster seat ! Seat Padding: Covers the shell and/or frame ! Level Indicator: Part of car seat that helps identify correct rear-facing installation angles ! Padding: Additional padding or inserts some manufacturers provide that have been crash tested with the seat Parts of a seat ! Belt Path: Place on car seat where seat belt or lower anchor connector is placed to secure car seat in vehicle ! Recline Adjuster: Allows car seats to be reclined for rearfacing and semi-reclined or upright for forward-facing use ! Splitter Plate: Metal plate that connects two ends of the shoulder harnesses to a single piece of webbing used for adjustment ! Lock-Off: Built-in belt-locking feature on car seat that works with certain types of seat belts based on the same concept as a locking clip Belt path, recline adjuster, and splitter plate Page 7-4 CAR SEAT AND BOOSTER SEAT PARTS AND FUNCTIONS (CONTINUED) Locking Clip: Holds car seat in the proper position during normal driving when no other locking mechanism is available ! Tether Connector: Piece of belt webbing with a hook connector that anchors top of a car seat or booster seat to vehicle that keeps restraint from tipping forward on impact – can provide extra protection – most frequently used on forward-facing seats ! Lower Anchor Connectors: Connectors used in place of vehicle seat belt to secure car seat or booster seat – can be flexible or rigid ! Detachable Base: Separate car seat base that can be installed in the vehicle – restraint (car seat) portion can be removed from base and used as a carrier or, in some cases, turned around, and placed back in base for forward-facing mode ! Adjustment Foot: Part of detachable base that raises or lowers to allow a rear-facing car seat to be installed at the correct recline angle ! Carry Handle: Plastic handle attached to rear-facing-only car seat that can be used to carry car seat with child in it when removed from the vehicle ! Foot Prop/Load Leg: Pole or leg that extends from base of a rear-facing car seat or from front of a forward-facing car seat – used to prevent or reduce excessive forward and downward rotation in a crash ! Anti-Rebound Bar: Hard bar on some rear-facing car seats that help to reduce movement of car seat towards rear of the vehicle seat (rebound) in a crash ! Instruction Book and Storage Location: Both required Detachable base and adjustment foot Carry handle and padding Foot prop/load leg and anti-rebound bar Page 7-5 MODULE 7 • Introduction to Car Seats & Booster Seats ! HOW TO SELECT THE APPROPRIATE CAR SEAT OR BOOSTER SEAT The best seat is one that: ! ! ! NEVER%offer%any% personal%opinions%about% specific%car%seat%or% booster%seat%products.% Fits the child’s age, size, and developmental levels. Fits the vehicle. The caregiver will use correctly each time. Caregivers also choose seats based on convenience factors. Seat Factors Caregiver Questions Number and position of harness strap slots Is there room for my child to grow? Automatic or 1-step harness adjustment mechanisms Is it easy to tighten and loosen the harness straps? Rear-facing-only car seat versus rear-facing convertible car seat Is it more economical for my family to purchase a convertible or 3-in-1 car seat? Detachable base options on rearfacing-only seats Is it more convenient for my family when extra bases can be purchased for every person driving my child? NOTE: Behaviorally immature children may need to stay in a more restrictive restraint for a longer period of time than they might need based on size. Used Car Seats and Booster Seats Sometimes the caregiver has selected a used car seat or booster seat. In these cases, the CPS Technician should get a complete history of the seat and find out if it was involved in a crash. It is the CPS Technician’s responsibility to work with the owner of the seat to review it – NOT to “certify” it as safe. It is the owner’s responsibility to be sure all parts are present and in good working condition. • The Juvenile Products Manufacturer Association (JPMA) suggests replacing seats after six years if the manufacturer does not state an expiration date on the seat or in in the owner’s manual. The reasons for this limit includes: – – – • Possible deterioration of the plastic shell and other parts. Possible loss/breakage of parts. The fact that older seats will often NOT meet current government safety standards. Expiration dates vary by manufacturer. Check the manual for your specific seat. NEVER%modify%a%car%seat%or%booster%seat%to% make%it%fit.%Minor%modifications%can%change%the% way%a%seat%performs%in%a%crash.% Page 7-6 TIPS FOR CLEANING AND MAINTAINING CAR SEATS AND BOOSTER SEATS • Caregivers should follow the manufacturer instructions for cleaning. • If necessary, harnesses must be air-dried. Machine drying is too hot for the harness straps and will decrease their effectiveness. • Use only mild soap and water and rinse with clean water. • NEVER use any chemicals such as starch, bleach, or sprayon fabric care/wrinkle guard products. • NEVER iron the harness. • NEVER lubricate the buckle. Car Seats and Booster Seats that Have Been in a Crash Seat replacement after a minor crash is not always required. Review NHTSA criteria for assessing minor crash severity. If all criteria are met, it is not always necessary to replace a car seat or booster seat. No cracks or deformities (dented or bulging surfaces) can be seen by looking at the seat. The vehicle with the seat installed can be driven from the scene. The vehicle door nearest the seat is undamaged. There were no occupant injuries. Air bags did not open. Check with the seat manufacturer for guidelines on when the product should be replaced. Car Seat and Booster Seat Selection Errors Caregivers make the following common car seat and booster seat selection errors: • A car seat or booster seat that the child is too small for or has outgrown • A household carrier (or other device that does NOT meet FMVSS 213) as a car seat • A car seat or booster seat beyond its usable life or expiration date • A second-hand car seat or booster seat that is missing instructions and parts and/or has an unknown history • A car seat or booster seat that has been involved in a moderate or severe crash • An unrepaired, recalled car seat or booster seat (NOTE: Especially dangerous if recall is related to crash-worthiness) TIPS FOR DISCUSSING CAR SEATS • Some caregivers who may have been given household carriers resembling a car seat may not know the difference. • A used car seat lacking a known history/original owner may be fine, but there is no guarantee that it was not involved in a crash, has been recalled, may lack parts, or have other damage. CAR SEATS FOR CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL HEALTHCARE OR MEDICAL NEEDS Transportation of children with adaptive restraints and special equipment is becoming more common in our increasingly mobile society. Special consideration is required for a child with: • • • • • A low birth weight or born prematurely Cerebral Palsy Breathing problems A cast Behavior issues The approach and criteria for selecting the best car seat remain the same as with any child. ! The first option is to use a conventional car seat if it meets the child’s needs. Conventional car seats are easier to find and use and are less expensive. ! ! Appropriate car seat selection should be made in collaboration with the child’s medical team. Whenever possible, consult a CPS Technician who has had Safe Travel for All Children training. Safe Travel for All Children is a two-day enhancement curriculum for CPS Technicians that addresses serving children with special needs. Page 7-7 MODULE 7 • Introduction to Car Seats & Booster Seats ! ! ! ! ! CAR SEATS FOR CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS (CONTINUED) A special needs car seat is usually prescribed by a therapist and approved by a physician. It may need to be ordered from a medical supply company. All or part of the cost may be paid for by the child’s health insurance. • These seats may have higher weight limits for the internal harness or other special features to help position the child. • Many medical conditions such as Cerebral Palsy or prematurity may make using a conventional car seat difficult. Positioning may be affected by their muscle tone, breathing problems, or other lifethreatening situations. • Specialty vests allow older children to ride lying flat when medically required. Special needs car seat Some conditions resulting in special transportation needs may not be long-term or chronic. Children may have short-term or acute conditions such as a broken leg. • Hip casts can affect children’s ability to sit up. Special restraints may be necessary. • Larger children in hip spica casts or full body casts who are unable to sit up might need modified vests. • Caregivers should NEVER transport a child with special healthcare/medical needs on a reclined vehicle seat. CPS%Technicians%must%be%able%to%recognize%the% general%areas%where%children%may%require% specially%adapted%restraint%systems,%as%well%as% the%community,%regional,%or%national%resources% that%are%available%to%help%meet%their%needs.%% Page 7-8 SPECIAL NEEDS RESOURCES ON THE NCPSB WEBSITE • AAP Policy Statement, Safe Transportation of Premature and Low Birth Weight Infants • AAP Policy Statement, Safe Transportation of Newborns at Hospital Discharge • James Whitcomb Riley Hospital for Children Discharge Protocol Essentials • AAP Policy Statement, Transporting Children with Special Health Care Needs • http://www.aap.org or www.preventinjury.org for additional information. Child’s Behavior Considerations Caregivers will often request your advice regarding actions they can take when driving a child with problem behavior. The behavior may be caused by a child’s medical condition, such as autism or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). These behaviors may distract the driver making proper restraint use for everyone in the vehicle even more important. • When the child’s behavior associated with a medical condition places him/her or others at risk because of car seat issues during travel, caregivers should be referred to the child’s physician or a behavioral specialist AND to a CPS Technician with special training in safe transportation of children with special needs. They can then discuss the problem and possible options. • Caregivers can also be referred to the child’s school or doctor for help with behavioral issues. • Some children with behavior issues may benefit from a car seat with a higher weight harness, a non-conventional seat, or vest. Sometimes a child’s behavior may be related to a developmental stage. They may not only resist a car seat but also temporarily resist going to bed at night or refuse certain foods. ! “While!many!children!with!special!needs!can!be!safely!transported!in!conventional!car! seats,!some!require!additional!support.!It!is!important!to!know!the!contacts!in!your! community!who!have!had!training!in!special!needs!transportation!and!can!help!locate! the!best!resource!for!a!child!who!requires!a!non>conventional!child!restraint!to!be! safely!transported!in!vehicles.”! Marilyn(J.(Bull,(MD,(FAAP( Morris(Green(Professor(of(Pediatrics( Riley(Hospital(for(Children(at(Indiana(University(Health( Resources for Car Seats for Special Needs Examples of resources and training for car seats and special needs across the nation are listed below. • National Center for the Safe Transportation of Children with Special Healthcare Needs, based at Automotive Safety Program, Riley Hospital for Children, 800-755-0912 or www.preventinjury.org. A database of CPS Technicians who have completed the “Safe Travel for All Children: Transporting Children with Special Healthcare Needs” is noted on their Safe Kids Worldwide Technician profile at http://cert.safekids.org. • CPS Special Needs Listserv “SPECIALNEEDSTRANSPORT-L,” to subscribe, email [email protected] • • CPS in Healthcare email: [email protected] Safe Ride News Fact Sheets at www.saferidenews.com or 1-800-403-1424. National Center for the Safe Transportation of Children with Special Healthcare Needs, 800-755-0912 or www.preventinjury.org. Includes a database of CPS Technicians who have completed the "Safe Travel for All Children: Transporting Children with Special Healthcare Needs" noted on their Safe Kids Worldwide technician profile. Page 7-9 MODULE 7 • Introduction to Car Seats & Booster Seats • Explain Best Practices About Car Seats and Booster Seats to Caregivers There are key questions to answer related to car seats and booster seats. Explain and demonstrate best practices to caregivers. Key Questions ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! What is the age, height, and weight of the child? Should the child be rear-facing or forward-facing? Does the child have any special needs? What type of seat is it? Which type of seat should the child be using? Is it a used seat? Has the seat ever been in a crash? Are all seat parts and pieces in good working order? Are there any missing parts or labels? Who else rides in the vehicle? Best Practices 1. What is the best car seat or booster seat for a child? 2. How long should children ride in rear-facing car seats? 3. Why might a car seat or booster seat that is missing its product information label be dangerous to use? 4. Should a car seat or booster seat be replaced after a crash? 5. What are some situations or conditions that may require the selection of specialized adaptive car seats? Page 7-10 MODULE 8 National Child Passenger Safety Certification Training Program Children in Rear-Facing Car Seats • Describe why children should travel rear-facing. • Identify types of rear-facing car seats. • Apply 5 steps for rear-facing car seat use. • Explain best practices and caregiver choices about rear-facing car seats. • Identify rear-facing car seat errors and consequences. WHY CHILDREN SHOULD TRAVEL REAR-FACING Children’s bodies change as they grow. Different types of car seats and booster seats are made to support the child’s growth. Remember&that&NHTSA& recommends&children& remain&in&rear6facing&car& seats&for&AS&LONG&AS& POSSIBLE&and&until&they& reach&the&top&height&or& weight&limit&allowed&by&the& car&seat&manufacturer.& How a child’s body changes VIDEO • Why Children Should Travel Rear-Facing Record reasons why children should travel rear-facing. TIPS FOR DICUSSING WHY CHILDREN SHOULD TRAVEL REAR-FACING Review Rear-Facing Quotables: Guiding Parents to Keep Children Rear-Facing Longer located on the NCPSB website. It contains information CPS Technicians can use in the field to communicate with caregivers about keeping children rearfacing longer. Page 8-1 WHY CHILDREN SHOULD TRAVEL REAR-FACING (CONTINUED) • While great strides have been made in reducing child fatalities and injuries since the 1970s, over half of children killed are either improperly restrained or unrestrained (FARS: Fatality Analysis Reporting System, NHTSA, 2007). • Rear-facing-only seats are engineered to distribute the forces of a crash across the entire head and body of an infant and young child. The harnesses are attached snugly to keep the child from sliding up the back of the seat and from flying out of the seat in a crash. • A rear-facing car seat supports the entire head, neck, and back of a child in a frontal crash. A young child’s head is larger and heavier in proportion to his body than that of an older child. In a frontal crash, the head moves abruptly forward placing increased forces on the neck but when a child is properly restrained rear-facing, the head moves with the seat reducing the risk for a neck and spine injury. • It’s a common myth that when a child’s feet or legs reach the back of the vehicle seat, he or she is at increased risk for a lower-extremity injury. Lower extremity injuries are rare for children who ride rear-facing. Children can easily sit with their legs crossed or on the back of the seat. Lower extremity injuries heal more easily and completely than injuries to the brain and spinal cord. • In a frontal crash, the rear-facing car seat cradles and moves with the child. It is the shell of the car seat itself that absorbs the forces. • Children in the second year of life are five times less likely to die or be seriously injured in a crash if restrained rear-facing compared to forward-facing (Henary B, Sherwood C, Crandall J, et al. Car Safety Seats for Children: RearFacing for Best Protection. Injury Prevention, 2007). The forces of the crash are completely distributed throughout the torso and head and the seat appears to provide a cocoon effect for the child. • Keep children rear-facing as long as possible Remind parents that they do not watch their child every minute while sleeping, and that, if there is great concern about not being able to see their child when rear-facing, they can arrange for another adult to sit beside the child in the back seat. Drivers should drive and they cannot simultaneously perform child care. When%working%with%caregivers,%it%is%critical%that%they%understand%the%reasons% why%children%are%safer%when%traveling%rear7facing%in%vehicles.%While%we%can% understand%that%a%caregiver%would%like%to%see%their%child%while%driving,%we%must% emphasize%that%the%statistics%are%compelling%and%risks%are%too%great.% Page 8-2 TYPES OF REAR-FACING CAR SEATS There are two main types of rear-facing car seats: Rear-facing-only car seat that may have a 3-point harness or 5-point harness. Many models have a detachable base. Some models require using the base. • Rear-facing convertible car seats have a 5-point harness. MODULE 8 • Children in Rear-Facing Car Seats • Rear-facing-only car seat Rear-facing-convertible car seat Practice Activity: Identify Rear-Facing Car Seats Practice identifying the types of rear-facing car seats 1. Work with your small group to examine your assigned car seat. 2. Answer the following questions about your assigned car seat. Questions 1. What type of car seat is it? 2. What type of harness is attached? 3. What are the minimum and maximum height and weight limits for a child using this car seat? Page 8-3 Rear-Facing-Only Car Seats • Always check the car seat label for the starting weight. Some car seats are labeled as “birth” and others are labeled for a specific weight. • In general, the top of the child’s head should be well contained within the shell and at least 1 inch from top of shell. Some manufacturer instructions state otherwise so be sure to check the car seat manual. • The harness needs to be snug and hold the child down in the seat so he/she does not slide up in a crash and suffer ejection from the car. Harness straps should emerge from the shell at or below the child’s shoulders unless the manufacturer instructions state otherwise. • Caregivers should NEVER use the rear-facing seat above the height or weight limits designated by the manufacturer. Once a child outgrows the rear-facing-only car seat, he or she should move to a rear-facing convertible seat with rearfacing height and weight limits. This information may be difficult to determine by simply checking labels. Check the manual for more complete information. Rear-Facing Convertible Car Seat • Many new convertible car seats are approved for rear-facing use up to 40+ pound children. Some seats exceed these weights and should be considered for children whose weight and/or height have exceeded the limits of the rear-facingonly car seat. • Children commonly sit with their legs crossed or resting on the back of the vehicle seat. Risk of injury to legs in a crash is low and injuries to the lower extremities are usually less severe with fewer long-term complications (AAP Technical Report, March 2011). • Although older children with poor head control and other children with special needs are within height and weight requirements of a car seat, they benefit from staying rearfacing as long as possible. In a crash, all children are safer rear-facing as long as their car seat allows. TIPS FOR DISCUSSING REAR-FACING CAR SEATS • Encourage caregivers to use the rear-facing car seat to the highest weight or height allowed by the car seat manufacturer. • Suggest ways to ease caregivers’ need to see the child during driving. For example, children sleep through the night without being under the parents’ watchful eye. If the car seat is installed correctly, the child should be fine. • Emphasize that caregivers must check the car seat manufacturer instructions for upper and lower weight and height limits. • Remind parents that car seats should be used for transportation in the vehicle only and not recommended for use as carriers or long term use at home. 5 STEPS FOR REAR-FACING CAR SEAT USE The following is an application of the 5 steps to rear-facing car seats. 1. Selection: Choose the Right Car Seat • Select the one that is right for the child’s height, weight, developmental levels, AND that a caregiver can use correctly. • Select a car seat with an adjustable harness height to offer options for a rapidly growing infant. • Some seats have multiple positions for crotch straps for better fit as a child grows. Caregivers should refer to the manufacturer instructions for proper placement. Page 8-4 2. Direction: Face the Car Seat the Right Way An infant under the age of 1 should ALWAYS ride in a rear-facing car seat. • A child should remain in a rear-facing car seat AS LONG AS POSSIBLE. The child should remain in a rear-facing car seat until he or she reaches the top height or weight limit allowed by the car seat manufacturer. Once a child outgrows a rear-facing only seat, they can transfer to a rear-facing convertible until they reach the maximum height or weight for that seat. 3. Location: Install the Car Seat in the Right Spot in the Vehicle • Although there may be many seating positions in a vehicle, not all may be suitable for installing a car seat. The car seat manufacturer instructions and/or the vehicle owner’s manual may not allow the use of the center rear seating position. • NEVER place a rear-facing car seat in the front vehicle seat if the passenger frontal air bag is turned on in the vehicle. If it is necessary to place a forward-facing child in the front seat, be sure the air bag is turned off in the vehicle. Always%ask,%“Who%rides%in%this%vehicle?%% Where%will%each%person%sit?”% 4. Installation: Secure the Car Seat to the Vehicle in the Right Way • The rear-facing car seat spreads crash forces along the entire head, neck, and back. The correct angle helps keep the airway open. If the car seat is installed too upright, the child’s head may flop forward and cut off his/her air supply. • Know the car seat recline angle, use the recline indicator and adjuster, and adjust to accommodate the seat and vehicle slope. Recline Angle • Caregivers should recline the rear-facing car seat according to manufacturer instructions. • If permitted by the manufacturer, as the child ages and gains better head control, he or she may sit more upright. Page 8-5 TIPS FOR DISCUSSING CAR SEATS AND SAFE SLEEPING PRACTICES • CPS Technicians are in a great position to talk to caregivers about safe sleep practices children. • Sleeping children should be removed from car seats in the home and at childcare and placed in a crib free from items like pillows, blankets, and stuffed animals. • Some caregivers may think it is safe to leave the child in the car seat (when inside the home) with a loose harness and/or unsecured crotch strap. Children can: − Slide down on the seat and be strangled by the chest clip pressing against the throat. − Also strangle in unsecured harness straps or in loose straps or they can roll over into a prone position, resulting in asphyxia. • For more information go to http://www.cpsc.gov. MODULE 8 • Children in Rear-Facing Car Seats • Recline Angle Indicator The recline angle indicator is part of the car seat and should be used as indicated by the manufacturer. Recline Adjuster • The vehicle must be on a level surface when checking the car seat angle. • Many rear-facing car seats have an adjustable base or foot that is used to correct the angle. • For car seats that do not have an adjustable base, a firm, lightweight object such as a tightly rolled towel or pool noodle can be placed at the vehicle seat crack or bight if permitted by the car seat manufacturer. Rear-facing recline angle • This is helpful when car seats are used on vehicle seats that are not as flat as those used in the testing laboratory. This installation method may be useful when using a carrier without the base. • Unless the car seat manufacturer indicates otherwise, a rule of thumb is to use either the adjustable base or foot or firm lightweight object – but NOT both. The car seat has most likely NOT been tested this way. Check recline angle Seat Slope A steep angle may cause the child to ride too upright. Maintain the correct recline angle. Seat Belt or Lower Anchors • Car seats can be installed with a seat belt or with lower anchor connectors – usually NOT both. While the systems are different, they are equally safe. • Most car seats have NOT been tested with both systems used together. Some manufacturers allow this now, so always be sure to read both the vehicle and car seat instructions for help. Car seat installed with lower anchor connectors Page 8-6 VIDEO • Install a Rear-Facing Car Seat Record steps you observe to install a rear-facing car seat with a seat belt. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. • A rear-facing car seat can be installed so that it rests against the back of the vehicle seat in front if this is not against the car seat manufacturer instructions. • CPS Technicians may need to instruct caregivers to switch to an emergency locking retractor and use a locking clip if the tension on the shoulder belt tilts the car seat to 1 side. • Tilting may be due to over-tightening or pulling up on the shoulder belt. Another option is for the caregiver to try another seating position. TETHERS AND REARFACING CAR SEATS VIDEO • Install a Rear-Facing Car Seat Record the steps that are different when installing a rearfacing car seat with lower connectors instead of a seat belt. Page 8-7 • The use of tethers on a rear-facing car seat is uncommon in the United States. • A rear-facing car seat should NEVER be tethered unless recommended and specifically allowed by the car seat manufacturer. Several products have optional tethers in the rear-facing position. MODULE 8 • Children in Rear-Facing Car Seats 1. SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR REAR-FACING CAR SEATS General Methods to Obtain a Tight Installation Include: 1. Place car seat on vehicle seat in the proper direction and at the correct recline angle in the back seat of the vehicle. TIPS FOR DISCUSSING HOW TO INSTALL REARFACING CAR SEATS 2. Carefully thread the seat belt or lower connectors through the correct belt path as directed by the manufacturer. Be careful not to have any twists. • Tell caregivers that since not every car seat will fit into every vehicle, they can ask the retail store to allow trying out a car seat in their vehicle in the store parking lot. • Many caregivers who mistakenly test their rear-facing car seat near the child’s head (instead of near the belt path) think the car seat is not installed properly because it moves more when tested at this point. • To reduce risk of entanglement from unused seat belts, educate caregivers to evaluate and note unused seat belts that may be within reach of a child. • If possible, switch the retractor to automatic locking mode to lock the unused seat belt against the back seat. Refer to vehicle and car seat owner’s manuals for guidance. 3. Buckle and lock the seat belt or connect the lower connectors to the anchors in the vehicle. 4. Press down firmly on the base or car seat and tighten. The base or car seat should NOT move side-to-side or front-to-back more than 1 inch when tested at the belt path. Space Requirements Check the following to see if the car seat fits in the vehicle. ! Do the contours of the vehicle seat permit the car seat to stay level? ! Is there enough space for the car seat to allow for the correct angle? ! Does at least 80 percent of the car seat base (footprint) fit on the vehicle seat? Many manufacturers say that no more than 20 percent of the car seat can hang over the front edge of the vehicle seat. Some models require that 100 percent of the footprint fit on the vehicle seat. Use the 80/20 as a rule of thumb UNLESS the car seat manufacturer says differently. ! Does the seat belt/lower anchor connector allow for a tight installation? Page 8-8 1 Common Rear-Facing Installation Errors Caregivers make the following common rear-facing installation errors: ! ! ! ! ! • To test installation, grip the car seat at or near the belt path and pull on the car seat. There should be no more than 1 inch of side-to-side or forward movement at the belt path. • Pull the slack out of the hip straps before pulling the shoulder straps and harness snug. 5. Harnessing: Place the Child Correctly in the Car Seat There are four steps to correctly place a child in a car seat. 1. Place the child all the way back in the car seat. 2. Place the harness straps at or below the child’s shoulders, according to manufacturer instructions, and buckle at the crotch. • The harness holds the child down low in the car seat so he/she does not slide up and out of the car seat in a crash. • The crotch strap keeps the child from moving forward. Adjust the crotch strap if needed to get it as close to the child as possible. 3. Tighten harness straps snugly. • • NHTSA requires car seat manufacturers to state in the instructions: “A snug strap should NOT allow any slack. It lies in a relatively straight line without sagging. It does not press on the child’s flesh or push the child’s body into an unnatural position.” You should NOT be able to pinch excess webbing at the shoulder or hips once the harness is buckled. This is called the pinch test. 4. Place the harness retainer clip at armpit level. Page 8-9 Do a pinch test to ensure the harness is snug MODULE 8 • Children in Rear-Facing Car Seats ! ! ! ! A seat belt or lower anchor connector that is too loose or not locked A rear-facing-only car seat that is facing forward Seat belt or lower anchor connectors routed incorrectly Incorrect recline angle especially for an infant Using two seat belts or using a seat belt and lower anchor connectors together (must be allowed by BOTH the vehicle and car seat manufacturer) Incorrect use of lower anchor connectors and tethers Not using the appropriate tether anchor or using a tether when it should not be used (most convertible car seats do not tether when rear-facing) The locking clip installed incorrectly The carrying handle not used in the approved position for vehicle travel TIPS FOR DISCUSSING CORRECT REAR-FACING CAR SEAT USE 2 5. Harnessing: Place the Child Correctly in the Car Seat (continued) In addition: • Only place blankets around the child after the harness is snug and secure. Unapproved padding placed behind or under the child or under harnesses can compress in a crash and create slack in the harness. Only items approved or manufactured by the car seat company for a particular model car seat are acceptable. • Nothing should be placed under the child or between the child and the harness except for the use of a rolled towel or blanket at the crotch strap, if allowed by the manufacturer. • Use only harness comfort covers or head padding the manufacturer has included with the car seat or the manufacturer sells separately for the specific car seat. • Harness hardware can include manual adjusters, “A-locks” (adjuster device on front of many seats), or metal harness adjusters. • Make sure to follow manufacturer recommendations on approved positions for carry handles on rear-facing-only seats. Various types of rear-facing harness adjusters ! “JPMA&is&dedicated&to&enhancing&children's&product&safety&and&our&members&work&hard& to&provide&the&latest&information&on&how&to&use&their&products.&If&anyone&has&questions& about&a&product,&they&should&start&by&contacting&the&manufacturer.&Our&members&are& here&to&help&CPS&technicians&and&caregivers&as&they&use&our&products&in&the&field.”& ! Juvenile&Products&Manufacturers&Association&(JPMA)& ! Page 8-10 Common Rear-Facing Harnessing Errors Caregivers make the following common rear-facing harnessing errors: ! ! ! ! Harness not used and the child is just sitting in the car seat ! Harness that is not doubled-back through buckle type metal adjuster, if it requires the double-back to secure the harness ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! Harness that is twisted Harness straps that are too loose Harness routed through the wrong slots NOTE: Harness may look as though it is properly routed through the padding, but it may not be routed correctly through the shell. Both areas must be checked. Harness not placed on the child correctly Harness that is frayed or damaged Metal adjuster not flush with a slot or out of position Crotch strap that is adjusted too long Harness not at or below shoulder Crotch strap that is not through the slot closest to the child Harness that is incorrectly routed Seats for Children With Special Needs The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that all children born before 37 weeks (more than three weeks early) be monitored before they leave the hospital for possible breathing problems or slowing of the heart rate when sitting in a semi-reclined position. The physician will determine if the child can use a rear-facing-only car seat or should ride lying on their stomach or on their back in a car bed. Car bed NOTE: Some very small children do not have respiratory problems, but still may require special consideration. Page 8-11 MODULE 8 • Children in Rear-Facing Car Seats Retainer clip is not at armpit level Seats for Children With Special Needs (continued) How to Fit Children with Special Needs in Car Seats Small and prematurely born infants Car beds Special car seats may be needed for children who are very small or have special physical or developmental needs • • • Use a car seat designed for the child’s low weight. Center the child in a car seat with rolled receiving blankets and a crotch roll, if necessary. Car beds are used for children who are small, premature, or medically fragile and need to ride flat as directed by a doctor. • • • Breathing problems Use a rear-facing car seat with small internal harness dimensions. Secure the child in the car bed with the internal harness or bunting. Place the child’s head toward the center of the vehicle – NOT next to the door. Use the seat belt to anchor the car bed lengthwise on the vehicle seat. Breathing problems and other medical conditions may require the child to lie flat or use a non-conventional car seat. • • A semi-reclined position of the car seat could make breathing problems worse. Children may need to travel with secured special medical equipment such as apnea monitors, ventilators, and oxygen tanks which must be safely restrained during transport. To secure equipment: – – – Place it on the vehicle floor and wedge it with pillows or foam. – Carriers for restraining monitors, ventilators, and oxygen are also available. Hold it in place by seat belts not in use, if possible. Monitors and oxygen tanks may be stored under the front seat in some vehicles. Check the vehicle manufacturer instructions. Page 8-12 Practice Activity: Select and Install Rear-Facing Car Seats In small groups, select and install car seats by a child’s age/height/weight. A child (card with age, height, and weight) will be assigned to your team. 2. Using a doll, adjust harness to fit your child. 3. Install a rear-facing-only car seat with and without a base and a rear-facing convertible car seat in a vehicle using a lap-belt-only, lap-and-shoulder belt, and lower anchors, where applicable. Make your car seat selections based on the child’s age, height, and weight. 4. Repeat the car seat selection, harness adjustment, and three installations for the type of car seat (rear-facing-only or rear-facing convertible) not chosen the first time. 5. Document how the belt locks in the following chart. Seat to Install How Does the Belt Lock? Rear-facingonly without a base Retractor: Instructor Initials Latchplate: How does it lock? Rear-facingonly with a base Retractor: Latchplate: How does it lock? Rear-facing convertible Retractor: Latchplate: How does it lock? Page 8-13 MODULE 8 • Children in Rear-Facing Car Seats 1. Select an appropriate car seat for your child. Explain Best Practices About Rear-Facing Car Seats There are key questions to answer related to rear-facing car seats. Explain and demonstrate best practices to caregivers. Key Questions ! ! What are the age, height, and weight of the child? ! What does the car seat owner’s manual or label say about the minimum and maximum heights and weights for the child using this car seat? ! ! ! ! Is the car seat a rear-facing-only or convertible type? ! ! ! ! Is the car seat installed tightly? Does the child have any special needs such as being very small, premature, or any physical, or developmental needs? Does the rear-facing-only car seat have a base? Can it be installed without a base? Is the car seat facing the correct direction in the vehicle? Is the car seat in an appropriate seating position in the vehicle according to the vehicle and car seat manufacturers? Is the car seat secured by a seat belt or with lower anchor connectors? Is the car seat at the correct recline angle? Is the harness being used correctly? Best Practices Answer the following questions to prepare for conversations you will have with caregivers to educate them about rear-facing car seats. 1. I have two children. Which child should go in the middle of the back seat? 2. Can I leave the carry handle up and dangle toys from the car seat to keep my child happy? 3. Should I use the lower anchors or the seat belt? Which is safer? 4. Should I use a tether on my rear-facing convertible seat? 5. I want to see my child. When can I turn him around? Page 8-14 Progress Check: Identify Rear-Facing Car Seat Errors and Consequences 1. Examine each photograph to determine if the rear-facing car seat is fitted properly. 2. If not fitted properly, identify the error along with the consequences for the child. Error: Consequences: 2. Error: Consequences: 3. Error: Consequences: Page 8-15 MODULE 8 • Children in Rear-Facing Car Seats 1. Progress Check: Identify Rear-Facing Car Seat Errors and Consequences (continued) 4. Error: Consequences: 5. Error: Consequences: Page 8-16 Progress Check and Summary 1. How do you determine which harness slot or slots may be used for a rear-facing child? 3. What are the two places where you will find accurate information regarding correct seat belt placement? 4. How do you test the tightness of a rear-facing car seat? Page 8-17 MODULE 8 • Children in Rear-Facing Car Seats 2. What factors do you check to be sure a child is properly secured with a rear-facing car seat? Page 8-18 MODULE 9 National Child Passenger Safety Certification Training Program Children in Forward-Facing Car Seats OBJECTIVES • Describe when children should travel forward-facing. • Identify types of forward-facing car seats. • Apply 5 steps for forward-facing car seat use. • Explain best practices about forward-facing car seats to caregivers. • Identify forward-facing car seat errors and consequences. WHEN CHILDREN SHOULD TRAVEL FORWARD-FACING Children should: • Remain in a rear-facing car seat until reaching the top height or weight limit allowed by the car seat manufacturer. • Ride in a forward-facing car seat with a harness until they reach the top height or weight limit allowed by the car seat manufacturer – usually until they are between ages 4 to 7. • It is dangerous to exceed height or weight limits. There are five types of forward-facing car seats: convertible, combination, forward-facing-only, large medical seats or vests, and integrated seats. NOTE: There are always car seats that do not fit into these categories. For example, there are car seats that rear-face, forward-face, and then become booster seats. FORWARD-FACING CONVERTIBLE CAR SEAT • Manufacturer instructions for many car seats recommend they be in the upright position when used forward-facing. • Some manufacturers meet testing standards with their seat in a forward-facing, semireclined position, as well as fully upright. Consider this position if the child has special needs or if seat belts cannot be made tight when the car seat is upright. • Some harness systems are approved for use to 40 pounds, but the marketplace is changing and now includes more seats with higher weight limit harnesses. • A 5-point harness provides more protection for a child than a booster seat with a lap-andshoulder seat belt. • Read the owner's manual to ensure correct use of the belt path and harness slots. Page 9-1 Forward-facing convertible car seat FORWARD-FACING COMBINATION CAR SEAT The forward-facing combination car seat is used with a harness until a certain height or weight limit specified by the manufacturer is reached. The harness must then be removed or stored. • Make sure the mid-point of the back of head or top of ears are NOT above the top of the shell or as directed by the car seat manufacturer. • The backs of all combination seats are reinforced. Any harness slot can be used as long as it is at or above the child’s shoulders. • This car seat does not have air bag warning labels because combination car seats are forward-facing-only and most have a lower weight limit of 20 pounds. • Once the harness is removed, this seat can then be used as a belt-positioning booster seat. Forward-facing combination car seat FORWARD-FACING-ONLY CAR SEATS Forward-facing-only car seats are sometimes used for children with special health needs or for heavier children who are not behaviorally mature enough for a booster seat. • • With forward-facing-only car seats, the weight limits can vary. Some have higher harness weight limits than other forward-facing car seats. Forward-facing-only car seat It is important to research and remain aware of currently available car seats with higher weight harnesses. LARGE MEDICAL SEATS AND VESTS Large medical seats, vests, and harnesses may help children with behavioral issues, weak muscles, excess weight, or other situations when a conventional car seat cannot be used. • Large medical seats are designed for occupants who require supplemental positioning support from a car seat beyond that offered by a conventional restraint. Typically, large medical seats will fit occupants weighing up to 102 to 135 pounds (a few go higher). • There are different vests available in different sizes for use as restraints. In order to use a vest, a child must have good head control. Some products are made just for school bus use. • It is important for families to work with an occupational therapist (OT) or physical therapist (PT) to evaluate a child’s positioning needs and determine which restraint provides the best positioning options for the child. • • Heavy-duty tethers are sometimes required. Always follow the manufacturer instructions. Page 9-2 Large medical seat Vest INTEGRATED SEATS Some vehicles have seats/restraints built into the vehicle. Check the vehicle owner’s manual for instructions and weight limits. • Many integrated seats face forward. Some can be used as a booster seat. They CANNOT be moved. • • Some have a 5-point harness. • Caregivers should call the service department of the vehicle dealership and ask to be given information in the repair section of the service manual about replacing car seat parts. Integrated seats, as with other car seats, may need to be replaced after a vehicle collision, if webbing is frayed, or parts are missing or broken. Check the vehicle owner’s manual for instructions. Integrated seat HARNESS FIT Tighten harness straps snugly. A snug harness lies flat and passes the pinch test. Bulky clothing can interfere with proper harness fit. • Avoid bulky clothing or padding behind the child’s head, back, or under buttocks. • Bulky jackets can be put on backwards (over child’s arms and torso) after the harness is secured. • Place blankets over and around the child after the harness is snug. Children should sit with: ! ! Their back and bottom flat against the car seat back. ! The harness straps placed over the shoulders and buckled at the crotch. ! The retainer clip at armpit level. The harness placed through proper slots, usually at or above the child’s shoulders. Refer to the car seat manufacturer instructions. Page 9-3 TIPS FOR DISCUSSING HARNESS FIT • Some car seats have unusual belt paths or routing instructions. • Harness slot reinforcement and structures that look like reinforcement may not be visible. • The only way to know for certain is to read the manufacturer instructions. MODULE 9 • Children in Forward-Facing Car Seats • Practice Activity: Adjust a Harness and Locate the Belt Path In small groups, adjust a harness for height and weight limits. A child (doll and card with age, weight, and height) will be assigned to your group. 1. Working with a forward-facing car seat and doll, move the harness to a different harness slot. Adjust the harness to loosen and tighten. 2. Adjust the car seat harness so it fits the doll. 3. Identify the location of the harness adjustments. 4. Identify the forward-facing seat belt path, lower anchor attachment belt path, and tether strap on the car seat. 5. Adjust the car seat to either the upright or forward-facing recline position (if allowed by the manufacturer. 6. Answer the following questions. Questions 1. Is the harness adjustment in the front or on the back of the car seat? 2. Is it easy to read labels and instruction manual, locate and identify harness adjustment lock-offs, etc.? 3. Where are the lower anchors and tether stored when not in use? 5 STEPS FOR FORWARD-FACING CAR SEAT USE The following is an application of 5 steps to forward-facing car seat use. 1. Selection: Choose the Right Car Seat As with all car seats, select the one that is right for the child’s height, weight, developmental levels, AND that a caregiver can use correctly. 2. Direction: Face the Car Seat the Right Way A child should be kept in a forward-facing car seat with a harness until reaching the top height or weight limit allowed by the car seat manufacturer. This is generally between the ages of 4 to 7. 3. Location: Install the Car Seat in an Appropriate Location in the Vehicle • As with rear-facing car seats, while there may be many seating positions in a vehicle, not all may be suitable for installing a car seat. • As long as the car seat fits, the rear center seating position may be safer because it is furthest from impact and intrusion from any direction. However, some rear center positions are not usable and many families transport more than one child. • Weight limits on lower anchors and tether anchors can affect the seating position choice. Each vehicle manufacturer sets these weight limits. Check the vehicle owner’s manual or most current LATCH Manual (if available) for individual vehicle limits. Page 9-4 4. Installation: Secure the Car Seat to the Vehicle in the Right Way • • A tether increases safety by limiting forward movement and rotation of the car seat. Using the tether strap can stabilize a car seat and limit head movement. • NEVER place noodles or towels behind or under a forward-facing car seat unless allowed by the manufacturer. General methods to obtain a tight installation include: 1. Place the car seat on the selected vehicle seat in the proper direction, ensuring that the angle adjustment is in the correct position for the child. 2. Place the seat belt or lower anchor webbing through the car seat belt path as directed by the manufacturer. 3. Buckle and lock the seat belt or secure lower anchors. 4. Place your hand in the car seat and use leverage to compress the car seat into the vehicle seat cushion while tightening the seat belt or lower anchors. 5. Tighten to ensure the seat does not move more than 1 inch when testing at the belt path. 6. Identify the vehicle tether anchor. Attach and tighten the tether strap. 7. Test again for a tight installation. Page 9-5 TIPS FOR DISCUSSING FORWARD-FACING CAR SEATS • Always discuss the transportation needs of the family. • Unused seat belts may be within reach of a child when a car seat is installed with lower connectors. Technicians should educate the caregiver to evaluate the risk of entanglement from unused seat belts. Secure unused seat belts as directed by the vehicle manufacturer. • Encourage caregivers to use the tether with a forward-facing car seat whenever possible, whether installing with the seat belt or lower anchors. • Show caregivers how to place lower anchors through a forwardfacing belt path. • Explain the importance of storing the LATCH attachments. MODULE 9 • Children in Forward-Facing Car Seats Consider seating positions with seat belts that can be locked (locking latchplate, switchable, or automatic locking retractors) or approved lower anchor positions for car seat use. VIDEO • Install a Forward-Facing Car Seat Record steps you observe to install a forward-facing car seat with a harness using a seat belt. 1. 2. 3. 4. HOW TO TEST THE INSTALLATION • To test the installation, grip the car seat at or near the belt path and pull on the car seat. • There should be no more than 1 inch of side-toside or forward movement at the belt path. • Tighten the harness straps snugly. You should NOT be able to pinch excess webbing at the shoulders once the harness is buckled and tightened. 5. 6. 7. 8. What do you need to take into account when using the lower anchors to secure the car seat? Page 9-6 Common Forward-Facing Installation Errors Caregivers make the following common forward-facing installation errors: A seat belt or lower anchor attachment that is too loose or not locked • Incorrect use of lower anchors and tether, not installing lower anchor attachments to the correct designated lower anchor bars or attaching the connectors upside down • • • Not using the appropriate tether anchor or using it when it should not be used • Installing a seat with LATCH when the child weighs more than the vehicle and/or car seat LATCH weight limits A rear-facing-only car seat that is forward-facing Seat belt or lower anchor attachments routed incorrectly through the wrong belt path Recline angle not adjusted appropriately for forward-facing direction Using two seat belts, or using a seat belt and lower anchor attachments together (unless allowed by the car seat and the vehicle manufacturers) Locking clip installed incorrectly Installing a car seat with lower anchors in a seating position that is not a designated LATCH position 5. Harnessing: Place the Child Correctly in the Car Seat There are four steps for correctly harnessing a child in a car seat. 1. Place the child all the way back in the car seat. 2. Put the harness straps over the shoulders and buckle at the crotch. The harness holds the child back against the car seat so he or she does not slide out in a crash. The crotch strap keeps the child from moving forward. 3. Tighten the harness straps snugly. You should NOT be able to pinch excess webbing at the shoulders once the harness is buckled. 4. Secure and place the harness retainer clip at armpit level. Common Forward-Facing Harnessing Errors Caregivers make the following common forward-facing harnessing errors: • • • • Harness not used (child just sitting in the car seat) • • • • • Harness is twisted or incorrectly routed Harness straps are too loose Retainer clip not at armpit level Harness routed through the wrong slots. (NOTE: Harness may look as though it is properly routed through the pad, but it may not be routed correctly through the shell.) Harness not placed on the child correctly Harness is frayed or damaged Metal adjuster not flush with a slot or out of position Crotch strap is adjusted too long, or not through slot closest to the child Page 9-7 MODULE 9 • Children in Forward-Facing Car Seats • • • • • Practice Activity: Select and Install Forward-Facing Car Seats Select and install car seats by a child’s age, height, and weight. A child (card with age, weight, height) will be assigned. 1. Your group becomes the caregivers of a child with a specific age, height, and weight. 2. Select the correct car seat for the child, adjust the harness straps and angle, and determine the belt path. 3. Work together to install your car seat. 4. Document retractor and latchplate types and how your vehicle seat belt locks. 5. If you identify any errors, document them in the second and third charts. Seat to Install How Does the Vehicle Seat Belt Lock? Forwardfacing convertible Retractor: Instructor Initials Latchplate: How does it lock? Combination seat with harness Retractor: Latchplate: How does it lock? Your choice Retractor: Latchplate: How does it lock? Car Seat Harnessing Harness slots used are best for child’s age and size Parts present and in good condition Straps around frame/shell and through slots correctly Straps and harness fit correctly Retainer clip positioned correctly Harness snug enough Y Y Y Y Y Y N N N N N N NA NA NA NA NA NA Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y N N N N N N N N N NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA Car Seat Installation Installed in seating position with active front or side air bag Best seating position being used Correct forward or rear-facing position Correct recline angle used Seat belt routed correctly Seat belt locked Lower attachments used correctly Tether installed and used correctly Installation tight enough Page 9-8 Explain Best Practices About Forward-Facing Car Seats Key Questions ! ! What are the age, weight, and height of the child? ! ! ! ! ! ! What type of forward-facing car seat is this? What does the car seat owner’s manual (or label) say about the minimum and maximum weights and heights for the child using this car seat? Is the car seat facing the right way in the vehicle? Considering everyone who rides in this vehicle, is the car seat in the best seating position? Is the car seat secured by a seat belt or with lower anchor attachments? Is the car seat installed tightly? Is the tether used if present/able? Best Practices Answer the following questions to prepare for conversations you will have with caregivers to educate them about forward-facing car seats. 1. My child is two years old and weighs 39 pounds. Which car seat should I buy? 2. May I use this car seat with a side air bag in a back seat? 3. My child fits in the harness, but weighs 43 pounds. Can I keep using this car seat? 4. Should I use LATCH or the seat belt? 5. Do I have to use the tether? 6. My child climbs out of the car seat. What should I do? Page 9-9 MODULE 9 • Children in Forward-Facing Car Seats There are key questions to answer related to forward-facing car seats. Explain and demonstrate best practices to caregivers. Progress Check: Identify Forward-Facing Car Seat Errors and Consequences 1. Examine each photograph to determine if the forward-facing car seat is fitted properly. 2. If not fitted properly, identify the errors and consequences to the child. 1. Error: Consequences: 2. Error: Consequences: 3. Error: Consequences: Page 9-10 Progress Check: Identify Forward-Facing Car Seat Errors and Consequences (continued) 4. Error: 5. Error: Consequences: Page 9-11 MODULE 9 • Children in Forward-Facing Car Seats Consequences: Practice Activity: Identify Misuse with Car Seats Identify misuse with several car seats. 1. In small groups, carefully examine the information about the child’s age, height, and weight. Also, check car seat labels that have been set up in the classroom. 2. Take notes on what you discover regarding car seat misuse for each scenario. 3. Use the sample checklists provided below to record your answers for at least one of the scenarios. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Car Seat Selection Car Seat Used " Rear-facing-only " Harness vest Car seat type best for age/size? Car seat manufacturer: Model #: " Convertible " Forward-facing with harness " High-back booster " Backless booster Y N NA Car seat model name: Mfg date: Under recall? Y N NA Car Seat Use Type of harness best for age and size? Parts present and good condition? Straps around frame/shell and through slots correctly? Straps and harness fit correctly? Retainer clip positioned correctly? Harness adjustment mechanism locked? Harness snug enough? Correct front-facing position? Correct recline angle used? Page 9-12 Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y N N N N N N N N N NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA Progress Check and Summary 1. How do you determine which harness slots to use for a forward-facing child? 3. How do you find the correct belt path? 4. How tightly should a forward-facing car seat be installed? 5. What is the benefit of using a tether? Page 9-13 MODULE 9 • Children in Forward-Facing Car Seats 2. What is the correct way to secure a child in a forward-facing car seat? Page 9-14 MODULE 10 National Child Passenger Safety Certification Training Program Children in Booster Seats & Seat Belts OBJECTIVES • Identify how booster seats protect children. • Differentiate between types of booster seats. • Install a booster seat. • Explain recommendations for children in seat belts. • Explain best practices about booster seats and seat belts to caregivers. HOW BOOSTER SEATS PROTECT CHILDREN Children should be in belt-positioning booster seats until they are big enough to fit properly in a seat belt. • This is best practice, however, you will see children being moved into a seat belt at much younger ages because the caregivers believe the children are ready. • Some booster seats are not tightly installed (locked in place) in the vehicle as with car seats. • Booster seats are held in place by the child’s weight and the vehicle’s lap-and-shoulder belt. • – These seats boost children up for correct seat belt fit. – Some new booster seats have lower anchor connectors to hold the seat in place when the child is not present. Skipping the booster seat step or “graduating” to a booster seat too early is common and unsafe. Booster seats protect children Booster'seats'protect'children'by'increasing'crash'protection'from'injuries.' Booster seats: • Are a middle step between a car seat with a harness and a seat belt to protect children who are too large for a car seat and too small for just the seat belt. • Raise and position a child so the vehicle’s lap-and-shoulder belt fit properly over the stronger parts of a child’s body. Booster'seats'are'more' than'twice'as'effective'in' reducing'risk'of'injury' when'compared'with'seat' belts'alone.' CHOP'Study,'2003' Page 10-1 VIDEO • Booster Seat Vs. Lap Belt Video'courtesy'of'Children’s'Hospital'of'Philadelphia'(CHOP)' VIDEO • Booster Seat Vs. Lap-and-Shoulder Belt Video'courtesy'of'Children’s'Hospital'of'Philadelphia'(CHOP)' BOOSTER'SEAT'FACTS' • Booster'seats'and'seat' belts'continue'to' protect'children'in'the' back'seat'of'vehicles.' Children'should'be'in' the'back'seat'when' under'13'because'it'is' safer.' • The'booster'seat'keeps' the'lap'belt'from' causing'injury'to'a' child's'abdomen'and' keeps'the'shoulder'belt' in'proper'position'to' give'the'child'upper' body'protection.' • Children'should'be' moved'to'a'beltF positioning'booster'seat' only'when'they'have' outgrown'the'height'or' weight'limit'of'their' forwardFfacing'car'seat.' Many'booster'seats' have'weight'ranges' starting'at'40'pounds' and'ending'at'much' higher'limits.' Booster'seats'must'NOT'be'used'with'lapHbeltHonly' seat'belts.'Serious'head'and/or'internal'injuries'can' result'from'excessive'head'movement'and'jackknifing' over'the'lap'belt.' Booster seats: ! ! ! Must NEVER be used with just a lap belt. Are NEVER used on airplanes. May fit children up to 80 or 100+ pounds or more depending on specific models. NOTE: ALWAYS consult the booster seat owner’s manual for the weight ranges and correct use of booster seats. Page 10-2 TYPES OF BOOSTER SEATS There are two types of booster seats: high-back and backless booster seats. High-Back Booster Seats • High-back booster seats provide head, neck, and back support for the child. • When correctly positioned on a booster seat, vehicle seat belts fit over the shoulder and hips like an adult in a seat belt. • Use only shoulder belt positioners provided with the booster seat. • Some high-back booster seats can only be used with vehicle head restraints behind them. • Some high-back booster seats can be used as backless booster seats by removing the back. High-back booster seat When'a'child'has'outgrown'the'height'or'weight' limits'of'the'internal'harness'of'a'combination'car' seat,'the'harness'can'be'stored'after'removal'and'the' seat'can'be'used'as'a'highFback'booster.' ' Caregivers'must'carefully'follow'the'manufacturer' instructions'for'changing'the'combination'car'seat'to' a'booster'seat.'Some'seats'have'bases'that'also'need' to'be'removed'to'use'as'a'booster'seat.' Converted combination car seat to a high-back booster seat Backless Booster Seats With a backless booster seat, the child uses the vehicle’s seat back or built-in head restraint for head, neck, and back support. ! Use only with a lap-and-shoulder belt in a vehicle seating position with head restraints. ! Most backless booster seats come with a shoulder belt positioner to adjust the shoulder belt height on the child. ! The child’s ears should NOT be above the back of the vehicle seat or top of the head restraint. Page 10-3 Backless booster seat MODULE 10 • Children in Booster Seats & Seat Belts High-back booster seats are recommended for vehicles that have a low seat back or do not have a head restraint. A low seat back does not offer any support for a child’s head. Booster Seats in the Front Seat If a child must ride in the front seat: ! The child must be correctly restrained in a booster seat using the vehicle’s lap-and-shoulder belt. ! The vehicle seat must be moved back as far as possible from the dashboard. INSTALL A BOOSTER SEAT VIDEO • Install a Booster Seat TIPS FOR DISCUSSING BOOSTER SEATS Record steps you observe to install a booster seat. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Even'if'the'child'is'not'present,'booster'seats'should'be' secured'in'the'vehicle'at'all'times.'When'not'buckled,'the' booster'seat'may'become'a'projectile'or'object'that'can' be'tossed'around'the'vehicle'causing'injury'to'vehicle' occupants'during'a'crash'or'sudden'stop.' Booster'seat'use'may'be'a'hard'sell'to'the'child,' especially'if'the'child'was'moved'to'a'seat'belt'too'early!' Page 10-4 • Use the term “beltpositioning booster seat” when working with caregivers. This helps to emphasize how lap-andshoulder belts keep the booster seats in place and keep children safe. • Share benefits of booster seats with caregivers. For example, they help children see out the window better (since they are “boosted up”). This may help when caregivers talk to children about why they might like riding in a booster seat. • Some forward-facing combination seats may allow for connecting the child restraint to the vehicle using LATCH even when used as a booster seat. However, some high-back boosters can only be used with a seat belt. Practice Activity: Install a Booster Seat Practice training caregivers how to correctly install booster seats. 2. Focus on the following questions as you practice your installations. ! ! ! ! Is the booster seat flat on the back seat of the vehicle? Are there vehicle seat shoulder belt guides? Might the vehicle head restraint need to be adjusted? Is the booster seat height adjustable? INSTALL A BOOSTER SEAT Follow these steps to correctly install a booster seat. 1. Place the booster seat flat in the back seat. 2. Have the child sit and buckle the seat belt. 3. Make sure the seat belt fits properly with the lap belt low across the upper thighs and shoulder belt across the chest. 4. Adjust the vehicle’s seat belt or booster seat guides, if available and be sure to position according to booster seat manufacturer instructions. 5. With a backless booster seat, adjust the head restraint, if needed. Explain Best Practices About Booster Seats to Caregivers There are key questions to answer related to booster seats. Explain and demonstrate best practices to caregivers. Key Questions ! ! ! ! What are the height and weight of the child? ! Do the child’s knees bend comfortably so the child does not slouch? What are the height and weight limits of the booster seat? Should the booster seat be used with a vehicle head restraint? Are the child’s ears above the back of the vehicle seat (in a backless booster seat) or top of the head restraint (in a high-back booster seat)? Best Practices Answer the following questions to prepare for conversations you will have with caregivers to educate them about booster seats. 1. Why is it important to use booster seats? 2. When should a child move to a booster seat? Page 10-5 MODULE 10 • Children in Booster Seats & Seat Belts 1. Read the manufacturer’s instructions to see how lap-and-shoulder belts are supposed to be positioned over and around the child and booster seat. Best Practices (continued) 3. Is there a weight and/or height requirement for a booster seat? 4. What is the proper placement of the lap-and-shoulder belt? RECOMMENDATIONS FOR CHILDREN IN SEAT BELTS Seat belts can be used to safely secure a child in a vehicle when he or she is: ! Tall enough to sit without slouching. ! Able to keep his or her back against the vehicle seat. ! Able to keep his or her knees naturally bent over the edge of the vehicle seat. ! Able to keep his or her feet flat on the floor. The lap belt must lie snugly across the upper thighs – NOT the stomach. The shoulder belt should lie snug across the shoulder and chest and NOT cross the neck or face. Proper fit in seat belts Children: ! ! Must stay in position for the entire ride. ! Under 13 should ride in the back seat. If a child is in the front seat, the vehicle seat must be moved back as far as possible from the dashboard. ! Should NOT lean or rest against air bags, including side air bags. Should NEVER have the shoulder belt under their arm or behind their back. This can cause severe injuries in a crash. If the seat belt does not fit properly, a child should use a booster seat. Page 10-6 VIDEO • Beyond Booster Seats Record steps you observe to secure a seat belt. TIPS FOR DISCUSSING BOOSTER SEATS AND SEAT BELTS ! “When&I&tell&people&that&I&have&completed&the&child&passenger&safety&certification& training&program&and&that&it&was&an&intensive&experience,&I&usually&hear,&“Really?”&Yes,& and&every&minute&is&worth&it.&Hats&off&to&all&the&CPS&Technicians&out&there&who&provide& much&needed&education&to&help&keep&kids&safe.&It’s&an&honor&to&have&joined&your&ranks."&! ! Kate'Carr,'Safe'Kids'Worldwide' CEO'and'President' Page 10-7 MODULE 10 • Children in Booster Seats & Seat Belts • Emphasize to caregivers that they are important role models for the safe behavior of children. • With car pools, emphasize that caregivers should make certain booster seats and seat belts are used correctly every time children ride in a vehicle. • While lap belts are not ideal, they are better than no protection at all! Progress Check: Identify Seat Belt Errors and Consequences 1. Examine each photograph to determine if the seat belt is fitted properly. 2. If not fitted properly, identify the errors along with the consequences for the child. 1. Error: Consequences: 2. Error: Consequences: 3. Error: Consequences: Page 10-8 Progress Check: Identify Seat Belt Errors and Consequences (continued) 4. Consequences: 5. Error: Consequences: SEAT BELT SYNDROME Seat Belt Syndrome (SBS) describes injuries that doctors see as a result of occupants wearing only a lap belt in collisions involving only the front of a vehicle. These injuries usually result when the occupant’s body folds in half over the lap belt during a collision. • When this happens, the lap belt applies extreme force along the occupant’s pelvis to the mid-section. • Securing only the waist without restraining the upper body can cause serious head and neck injuries after a head strike. Injuries typically include: • • • Severe stomach injuries. Fractures of the lumbar spine. Serious head and facial injuries. SBS can cause serious head and neck injuries Page 10-9 MODULE 10 • Children in Booster Seats & Seat Belts Error: Explain Best Practices About Seat Belts to Caregivers There are key questions to answer related to seat belts. Explain and demonstrate best practices to caregivers. Key Questions Is the child: ! ! ! ! ! ! ! Tall enough to sit without slouching? Able to keep his or her knees naturally bent over the edge of the vehicle seat? Able to sit all the way back against the vehicle seat? Able to keep his or her feet flat on the floor? Sitting with the shoulder belt crossing the shoulder between the neck and the arm? Sitting with the lap belt as low as possible, touching his or her thighs? Able to stay seated this way for the whole trip? Best Practices Follow these guidelines for a proper seat belt fit. 1. The lap belt must lie snugly across the upper thighs – NOT the stomach. 2. The shoulder belt should lie snug across the shoulder and chest and NOT cross the neck or face. Progress Check: Seat Belt Use Scenario: My child has used a seat belt since he was 4 years old. What should I do now that he is 6 years old? 1. What is the proper seat belt use for this situation? 2. When can a child move to a seat belt? Page 10-10 MODULE 11 National Child Passenger Safety Certification Training Program CPS in Other Vehicles OBJECTIVES • Identify appropriate car seats and booster seats by vehicle type. • Explain current recommendations for car seats and booster seats in other vehicles. APPROPRIATE CAR SEATS AND BOOSTER SEATS BY VEHICLE TYPE Vehicle design affects the correct selection and use of car seats and booster seats. CPS Technicians must understand how vehicle design impacts the correct use of car seats and booster seats in all modes of transportation. Pickup Trucks Occupant restraint standards are the same for pickup trucks as for passenger cars. Some%regular+cab%and% extended+cab%pickup% trucks%with%frontal% passenger%air%bags%have% on+off%switches%for%the% frontal%passenger%air%bag.% ! Car seats and booster seats are crash tested on forwardfacing vehicle seats and cannot be secured on a pickup truck’s side-facing jump seat. ! Undersized (or small) rear bench seats may not allow enough space between front and rear-seating areas to achieve the correct recline angle for a rear-facing car seat. ! As with car seats and booster seats in passenger cars, according to most manufacturers, a car seat in a pickup truck must have 80 percent of the base supported by the vehicle seat with no more than a 20 percent overhang on the front edge of the vehicle seat. Some models require 100 percent of the car seat to be on the vehicle seat and some have indicators (lines) on the seat to show how much must be placed on it. ! Cargo areas are NOT designed for passenger seating under any circumstances. Children and adults can be easily thrown from cargo areas at relatively slow speeds as a result of a sharp turn. ! Only manufacturer approved seating positions can be used (check the owner’s manual for recommendations on cargo areas and also center seating positions). 15-Passenger Vans ! Many childcare providers or schools use 15-passenger vans to transport multiple children. At times, they overload the vehicle. Fully loaded, 15-passenger vans cause the center of gravity to shift rearward and upward, increasing the likelihood of a rollover. ! NEVER load the roof. This cargo will be above the center of gravity of the vehicle and will increase the likelihood of a rollover. Page 11-1 15-passenger vans can pose dangers 15-Passenger Vans (continued) ! ! It is important that the van be operated by experienced drivers who should: – Understand and be familiar with the handling characteristics of their vans, especially when fully loaded. – Load the van front to back in order to balance and distribute the weight. To reduce the risk of 15-passenger van rollovers, manufacturers: – – – – – – – Widen the vehicle and/or reduce its height. WEBSITE RESOURCES ON CAR SEATS AND BOOSTER SEATS IN OTHER VEHICLES • http://www.nhtsa.gov • www.ntsb.gov/publictn/1 999/sir9904.pdf • www.aap.org • www.nasdpts.org • www.headstartinfo.org Impose structural standards for school buses. Equip them with laminated side windows. Provide emergency exits. Equip them with extra signs and signals. Require a commercial driver’s license. Equip them with dual rear wheels. School Buses School bus transportation is the safest form of ground transportation. School buses are nearly eight times safer than passenger vehicles. ! Buses are larger and heavier than most other vehicles. Crash forces are distributed throughout the vehicle differently and are also experienced by the occupants differently. ! Passenger seating and crash protection, known as “compartmentalization,” is required on school buses. ! ! ! ! – Seats on school buses must have flexible, energyabsorbent, high seat backs (a minimum of 24 inches from the hip reference point). – The combination of energy-absorbent seat backs and narrow spacing creates a compartment within which each occupant is confined in a crash. LATCH on a school bus Small school buses (weighing less than 10,000 pounds) are required to have seat belts. Lower anchors are also required in at least two seating positions. Tether anchors are NOT required in school buses. Compartmentalization on a school bus Getting!to!and!from!the!bus!is!more!dangerous!than!riding!the!bus!! ! Page 11-2 NHTSA School Bus Safety Recommendations NHTSA recommendations for infants and preschool age children on buses are as follows: Preschool age children should be properly restrained in car seats meeting FMVSS 213 when they ride on a school bus. ! Retrofitting seat belts on existing school bus seats is possible only when manufacturer instructions are followed. ! ! Tethers are NOT commonly used on school buses. MODULE 11 • CPS in Other Vehicles ! For more information, go to http://www.nhtsa.gov/SchoolBuses Child Passenger Safety Options for School Buses An Individual Education Plan (IEP) is for children between the ages of 3 and 21 and is developed to support each child’s special needs. The transportation needs of the child are a related service that should be included in the IEP. Children under age 3 who have special health care needs receive the same kind of services through an Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP) that considers the family needs of the child as they receive early intervention services and therapy. Options for children who need car seats on a school bus include: ! ! ! ! Integrated car seats Conventional car seats Harnesses and vests Wheeled transportation devices In addition, safety vests are options for children 20 pounds or more when other car seats will not meet the child’s needs. School bus car seat options Page 11-3 “As$Chairman$of$the$National$Transportation$Safety$Board,$I've$seen$firsthand$how$ proper$child$restraint$use$has$saved$lives.$As$a$CPS$Technician,$I$know$that$it$is$ imperative$to$teach$parents$about$the$importance$of$properly$restraining$their$ children$at$all$times.$When$it$comes$to$flying,$that$means$buying$a$seat$for$every$child$ and$using$a$child$safety$seat$for$infants$and$toddlers.”$ Deborah%A.P.%Hersman% NTSB% Car Seats on Airplanes The Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) encourages, but does NOT require, the use of car seats on airplanes for children under the age of 2. • Airlines currently allow children under the age of 2 to fly free of charge as lap children. – Some airlines offer discounts so caregivers can be guaranteed their children can travel in a car seat. – Caregivers should always verify car seat policies with the airline on which they are traveling. • Turbulence (rough flying) can happen with little or no warning. The safest place for children during turbulence or in an emergency is in an approved car seat. Car seats are the safest place for children on airplanes Any car seat used on an airplane must have a label stating it is certified for aircraft use. ! ! ! Use a rear-facing car seat for infants younger than 1 and less than 20 pounds. Use a forward-facing car seat for children weighing 20 to 40 pounds. Use the airplane seat belt for children over 40 pounds. The FAA has approved the AmSafe Aviation CARES device. The FAA recently established guidelines for the use of this restraint system on planes only – NOT in vehicles. • CARES uses an additional belt and shoulder harness that goes around the seat back and attaches to the passenger lap belt. • It is designed for children weighing between 22 and 44 pounds who are less than 40 inches and can sit unassisted. For%FAA%CPS%requirements,%see%http://www.faa.gov/passengers/fly_children. %For%a%Safe% Ride%News%Fact%Sheet%on%Airplane%Travel%With%Babies,%see%http://www.saferidenews.com.% Page 11-4 Car Seats and Booster Seats in Emergency Vehicles Emergency vehicles may have side or rear-facing vehicle seats. There are no standards for crash testing a car seat or booster seat on a side-facing or rear-facing vehicle seat. A car seat or booster seat should NOT be used in these seating positions. Rear-facing car seats are made to face backward on a forward-facing vehicle seat. They CANNOT be safely installed on a rear-facing ambulance seat. • If possible, non-patient children in an emergency situation should be transported in another vehicle. Car seats and booster seats should be secured with seat belts anchored only in locations considered safe in a crash. • • Emergency services should develop and follow guidelines to transport children safely. • In cases where police equipment is present and correct installation is not possible, police officers will need to find another way to transport the child. A car seat or booster seat should NOT be installed in police vehicles if a prisoner screen is present. This screen does not allow enough space for the forward movement of the child’s head. Plastic or prisoner seats are also not compatible with car seats and booster seats and CANNOT be used. NOTE: It is important to secure the EMS provider and equipment. Children are only as safe as the environment around them. Flying unrestrained medics and equipment can be extremely hazardous. Resources for Car Seats and Booster Seats in Other Vehicles Resources you can find on the NCPSB website related to car seats and booster seats in other vehicles include: • • • • Guidelines for the Safe Transportation of Pre-school Age Children in School Buses AAP School Transportation Safety AAP Restraint Use on Aircraft Crash Protection for Children in Ambulances An additional resource is: Recommendations for the Safe Transport of Children in Emergency Ground Ambulances (National Association of State EMS Officials at http://www.nasemso.org and Pediatric Emergency Care Council at http://www.nasemso.org/Councils/PEDS/index.asp). Page 11-5 MODULE 11 • CPS in Other Vehicles • Progress Check and Summary 1. What are some factors to consider when selecting a car seat or booster seat for a pickup truck? 2. What are some factors to consider when selecting a car seat or booster seat for a school bus? 3. What are some factors to consider when selecting a car seat to use on an airplane? 4. What are some factors to consider when selecting a car seat or booster seat for an emergency vehicle? ! Page 11-6 MODULE 12 National Child Passenger Safety Certification Training Program Installation & Communication OBJECTIVES • Determine the safest seating positions and appropriate restraints for all occupants. • Communicate effectively with caregivers. SAFE SEATING POSITIONS AND RESTRAINTS The safest vehicle seating position varies by many factors such as the occupant’s age, weight, height, type of car seat, type of vehicle seat, and seat belt system. Seating Position Safety Considerations Front seat • • • Near the windshield and front air bag Closest to front impact crash More safety features Second row driver side outboard seat • • • • • Passenger on closest side to oncoming traffic Typically on traffic side when parking on a street Near side air bags, if present Not easy to glance at a child from this seat Side impact crash could affect this seat Second row passenger side outboard seat • • • • Typically on curbside when parking on a street Near side air bags, if present Second row center seat Furthest from impact Away from air bags Additional Seating Considerations • When there are multiple children, typically putting the child needing the most protection (such as youngest, and special needs) in the center seat is favored. • Caregivers may want to keep children away from the doors and windows. • The rear-facing child may fit better in the rear center seat if the recline of the car seat pushes the front seats too far forward. Consider the needs of all family members when discussing seating positions Page 12-1 ! “Above'all'other'documentation,'always'follow'the'car'seat'and'vehicle'instruction' manuals.'If'you'need'further'assistance,'call'the'car'seat'manufacturer'directly.'Many' of'them'are'car'seat'technicians'like'you.”!'! ! Manufacturers+Alliance+for+Child+Passenger+Safety+(MACPS)+ Practice Activity: Identify Safe Seating Arrangements, Part 1 Review the needs of a family and identify possible safe seating arrangements. 1. Identify the appropriate and best seating position in the vehicle for the four family members using the appropriate child/vehicle restraint systems. 2. Review the information about the family members and vehicle restraints. Determine where each of the following family members can sit safely and write your seating position and vehicle restraint selections in the spaces provided. • • • • • Driver (Parent #1) Parent #2 2-month-old, 11 pounds 3-year-old, 30 pounds 8-year-old, 72 pounds Front Seat of Vehicle Driver seat (Parent #1) Air bag and lap-and-shoulder Air bag and lap-and-shoulder Back Seat of Vehicle Lap-and-shoulder Lap only Lap-and-shoulder Page 12-2 Practice Activity: Identify Safe Seating Arrangements, Part 2 Review the needs of a second family and identify possible safe seating arrangements. 1. Identify the appropriate and best seating position in the vehicle for the 4 family members using the appropriate child/vehicle restraint systems. • Driver (Parent #1) • Parent #2 • 7-month-old, 24 pounds • 2-year-old, 27 pounds • 4-year-old, 41 pounds • 12-year-old, 85 pounds Front Seat of Vehicle Driver seat (Parent #1) Air bag and lap-only belt Air bag and lap-and-shoulder Back Seat of Vehicle Lap-and-shoulder Lap only Lap-and-shoulder Page 12-3 MODULE 12 • Installation & Communication 2. Review the information about the family members and vehicle restraints. Determine where each of the following family members can sit safely and write your seating position and vehicle restraint selections in the spaces provided. EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION WITH CAREGIVERS Words that CPS technicians use may be confusing to caregivers. • Use simple and correct terms. Do NOT use shortened versions of terms (such as ALR, ELR) or slang. CPS means child protective services to some and child passenger safety to others. • Define technical terms or words before you use them. – For example, convertible car seat may mean baby seat to the caregiver or rear-facingonly seat may mean infant carrier to the caregiver. – Consider what will make more sense to the caregiver – retractor or the part that winds up and stores the seat belt? • When possible, use the caregiver’s primary language, an interpreter, or photographs/illustrations from the vehicle/car seat owner’s manuals, NHTSA website, etc. Engage the caregiver and family members. • Involve caregivers as active participants from the beginning to the end of the educational process. • Ask follow-up questions to determine what caregivers need. Sometimes caregivers ask a question about one aspect, but upon further questioning they really want help or information about something else. Involve the family when discussing car seats, booster seats, seat belts, and safety What are caregivers or family members really asking? When they ask… They may really mean… Which car seat is escape-proof? My child can get out of the car seat by himself. When can I turn her around? I want to see my child. Is it really safer to face the back? I don’t feel comfortable not being able to see my child. Does my youngest child really need to be in the center of the back seat next to her brother? My son may bother or poke her causing a disruption in the car. Can I move him to a seat belt yet? He is pressuring me to move to a seat belt like all of his friends. I need the booster seat for my other child. Page 12-4 EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION WITH CAREGIVERS (CONTINUED) Look for information about the vehicle and family members that can help you understand their needs. Is the vehicle or car seat/booster seat old or recalled? Is English their primary language? Are there multiple young children in the family? Are there cultural differences that could affect the caregiver’s knowledge or attitude about safety? Additional Considerations When Working with Caregivers Becoming a good CPS Technician takes time and practice. • Remember that the caregiver should be a full partner from beginning to end. Adults learn best by practicing the skill being taught. • Your job is to educate – NOT to install the car seat or booster seat for the caregiver. CPS Technicians should be able to talk a caregiver through correct installation and harnessing without even getting into the vehicle. CPS Technicians should never simply install the car seat or booster seat for the caregiver. • As the caregiver demonstrates correct installation, have him/her explain what he/she is doing. This provides a better learning experience. • Some caregivers will need more time than others to learn proper use and correct installation of car seats. Do NOT rush them through the process. Allow enough time when you make appointments for families. • • Be positive and encouraging. Point out what they have done correctly. • It is OK to tell the caregiver that you do not know an answer to a question, but that you will find it for them. It is a good idea to always have a phone available to contact another CPS Technician, Instructor, or manufacturer, if needed. Make sure to have the caregiver’s contact information. • Remind caregivers of the importance of using vehicle safety features such as child locks that disable power locks on the rear door and automatic window locks that disable rear windows to help keep children safe. Make sure your information is up-to-date and correct before sharing it with caregivers. Even the most experienced CPS Technicians do not know all of the answers. The field is always changing because of new technology. Your%goal%should%be%for%the%child%to%leave%safer%than%when%they%arrived%–% and%to%equip%the%caregiver%with%correct%information%and%a% working%knowledge%of%their%car%seat%or%booster%seat.% ! ! Page 12-5 MODULE 12 • Installation & Communication ! ! ! ! Practice Activity: Conduct a Seat Check Work with your team to apply the information you have learned and skills you have developed to conduct a seat check. 1. Assign roles within your team: • • Lead directly interacts with the caregiver (Instructor). • Assistant ensures that nothing has been omitted and all appropriate sections are completed. Scribe records the findings and works with the caregiver to complete the sample CPS Check Form (located in the TG Appendix). 2. Approach each seat check as you would if you were working with a caregiver. • • • Introduce the team members. • • Identify any misuse and discuss with the caregiver. Complete the paperwork requirements. Inspect the car seat or booster seat. Remember to take it out of the vehicle and look it over thoroughly inside and out. Teach the caregiver how to use the car seat correctly. 3. Remember the 5 steps to conduct a seat check. ! • • • • • Selection: Did the caregiver choose the right seat for their child? Direction: Is the seat facing the right way in the vehicle? Location: Is the seat installed in an appropriate location in the vehicle? Installation: Is the seat secured to the vehicle in the right way? Harnessing: Is the child placed correctly in the seat with the harness? Progress Check and Summary 1. Which seat location is the safest in a vehicle for an occupant? 2. What is the main goal for the CPS Technician who is working with a caregiver? 3. Why is it so important for caregivers to practice installing their car seats and booster seats? ! Page 12-6 MODULE 13 National Child Passenger Safety Certification Training Program Closing & Checkup Event OBJECTIVES • Identify requirements for CPS Technician recertification. • Prepare for a checkup event. • Conduct a checkup event. • Close and debrief a checkup event. RECERTIFICATION PROCESS The certification cycle for both CPS Technicians and Instructors is two years. To retain your certification, you must meet all of the requirements and successfully complete the recertification process. There are two general steps to successful CPS Technician recertification: 1. Meet all pre-registration requirements, including: ! Verified seat check activities – must be observed by an Instructor or proxy to count for certification ! A community event ! Continuing education ! If an Instructor, teaching hours Recertification% information%and% clarification%will%be%sent% out%through%CPS%Express,% a%monthly%newsletter% sent%to%all%CPS% Technicians%and% Instructors%via%email.%% CPS%Technicians%must% have%a%current%and%valid% email%address%entered% into%their%online% individual%profiles%to% take%advantage%of%this% service.% 2. Register and pay for recertification (may be done up to four months prior to your certification cycle end date.) See www.cert.safekids.org for recertification and other information. “As$a$certified$CPS$Technician$myself,$I$know$that$this$has$been$a$tough$class,$but$ worth$it.$It$changed$how$I$look$at$kids$in$cars!$Safe$Kids$is$proud$to$be$a$partner$and$to$ support$your$efforts$as$the$Certifying$Body.$We$hope$you$enjoy$your$work$in$the$field$ and$recertify$in$two$years!”$ Kerry%Chausmer,%Director% Safe%Kids%Worldwide%Certification%Program PREPARE FOR A CHECKUP EVENT • At checkup events, CPS Technician teams work with and teach caregivers the basics of correct selection, direction, location, installation, and harnessing of car seats, booster seats, and seat belts. • Checkup events provide opportunities to detect unsafe car seats and booster seats (such as recalled, damaged, missing parts/labels). Always remove and inspect all checked seats. • Many details for setting up and operating an inspection station are similar to those for a parking lot event. Page 13-1 PREPARE FOR A CHECKUP EVENT (CONTINUED) The Map It Out worksheet on the NCPSB website includes a sample diagram to sketch the traffic flow of your checkup event. The following are key considerations for planning an event or setting up an inspection station. Additional details may be found on the NCPSB website under Using Your New Skills and CPS Inspections and Checkup Events. ! ! ! ! ! ! Do NOT wait until the last minute to plan your event! ! ! Determine a safe location and conduct a site visit. Gather necessary equipment, supplies, and materials. Determine your target audience. Estimate the number of families expected to attend. Estimate the number of CPS Technicians and volunteers needed. Determine the amount of time to allocate per car seat or booster seat. Determine who the Checkup Event Coordinator will be at the event. Each event needs a designated Checkup Event Coordinator. CONDUCT A CHECKUP EVENT When conducting the event, remember that the safety of all participants is a top priority. ! Always use a Check Form. Be sure the caregiver signs the form before you begin your check. ! ! ! Fully involve the caregiver in the check. ! ! Read instructions and labels. Team up with a partner and work together. Remember to use the Learn, Practice, Explain teaching method. Document, document, document: – – – Due%to%the%sensitive% nature%of%adjusting%a% child’s%harness%at%the% crotch,%it%is%advisable%to% have%the%caregiver%adjust% the%child’s%harness%under% the%supervision%of%the% CPS%Technician.% Everything you do. Advice you give the caregiver. Choices the caregiver makes – especially advice the caregiver chooses not to follow. ! Follow any policies or guidelines set by the Checkup Event Coordinator such as which form is being used, replacement of car seats, who will be the lead checker to sign off, etc. ! ! ! ! Promote 1-way traffic flow. ! Control ALL vehicles moving into and from the event. Announce “vehicle moving” when vehicles enter or exit the inspection. Always guide vehicles to the inspection location and exit. Turn off all vehicle motors. Watch small children, as caregivers may be distracted. Walk around every vehicle before starting the engine to be certain there are no children or materials around, near, or under the vehicle. By the end of the checkup event, the caregiver should feel confident and competent in their abilities. Page 13-2 CONDUCT CLOSING ACTIVITIES Always debrief the checkup event with other Instructors and volunteers. Discuss: ! ! ! Prepare for, conduct, and evaluate each checkup event Page 13-3 MODULE 13 • Closing & Checkup Event What you learned (safety issues, new products, special situations). How to improve for the next event. Following the event, the Checkup Event Coordinator or Lead Instructor should review all forms and follow up with any questions or concerns. Page 13-4 National Child Passenger Safety Certification Training Program Install a Locking Clip 1. While applying your weight on the seat with your arm, buckle and tighten the lap-shoulder seat belt. 4. Place the locking clip no more than 1 inch away from the latchplate as noted in the car seat and vehicle owner’s instruction manuals. 2. Pinch and hold the lap and shoulder belts together. 5. Apply pressure on the seat and re-buckle the seat belt. 3. Unbuckle the belt. 6. Test the car seat to make sure it moves no more than 1 inch side-to-side or front-to-back when testing at the belt path. You can remove the locking clip by pinching the webbing in half so the locking clip falls off. National Child Passenger Safety Certification Training Program Install a Belt-Shortening Clip 1. Place the lap belt through the car seat. 2. Buckle it. 3. Pull on belt to gather the excess webbing to be locked off or shortened near the retractor side. 4. Test for a tight installation of the car seat: Grab the seat at the belt path. Push and pull it with moderate force – front to back and side-to-side. It should NOT move more than 1 inch. 5. Place the belt-shortening clip near the retractor as noted in the vehicle owner’s manual. 6. Double-back the top portion of the loop and thread it through the prongs of the clip. National Child Passenger Safety Certification Training Program Install a Car Seat With a Locking Latchplate 1. Route the vehicle seat belt through the correct car seat belt path. 2. Buckle it. 4. Notice the tilt and how the seat belt moves freely. It will hold the webbing locked when NOT tilted. Make sure webbing pieces lay flat and do NOT slip. Remember, the seat belt should NOT slide through the latchplate with a moderate tug. 3. Place your hand in the car seat to apply pressure and tighten the seat belt by pulling out the excess slack. 5. Test for a tight installation of the car seat. Grab the seat at the belt path. Push and pull it with moderate force – front to back and side-to-side. It should NOT move more than 1 inch. National Child Passenger Safety Certification Training Program Install a Car Seat With an Automatic Locking Retractor 1. Pull webbing fully out of the retractor and hold. 2. Pull the belt through the correct car seat belt path. 3. Buckle it. 4. Apply weight on the car seat and let go of extra webbing. 5. Feed extra webbing back into the retractor. 6. Test for a tight installation of the car seat. Grab the seat at the belt path. Push and pull it with moderate force – front to back and side-toside. It should NOT move more than 1 inch. Chrysler www.chrysler.ca MY – Model year CR – Child restraint N/A – Vehicle has no seating position here © 2013, Safe Ride News Publications; reprinted with permission. KEY: LATCH – Factory-installed lower and tether anchors TA – Factory-installed tether anchor LA – Lower anchor None – No factory-installed or retrofit TA available TA point – Designated retrofit anchor location OM – Owner’s manual Digital owner's manual: Chrysler Group, LLC provides owners with a printed User Guide (which includes only the most important points of the owner's manual, including CR info) and a DVD (which includes the complete, searchable owner's manual). Those requiring a printed version of the complete owner's manual may contact a dealer or call customer service. User guides: CR information accidentally left out of printed user guides dated JanuaryMarch, 2010. Contact customer service for an updated version. Tether anchor installation program: Chrysler Group, LLC dealers will install tether anchors in certain older model year Chrysler vehicles free of charge. Please have the dealer refer to Technical Service Bulletin 23-029-08 for details on this policy. The dealer can also find additional information in the Warranty Information Center (WIC) in article #1339. (See Service Bulletin, Appendix C.) Recall: Chrysler cars, light trucks, and SUVs from June 1999-October 2000. Some vehicles owner’s manuals do not have TA usage instructions as required by FMVSS 225. All owners on record were mailed an addendum to their owner’s manual. Contact Chrysler Group, LLC for more information. Canada: English 800-465-2001 French 800-387-9983 Center position installation using LAs with nonstandard spacing: Use of inner LAs from standard outboard LATCH positions to install a CR in the center with flexible LATCH is allowed in some models, if allowed by CR manufacturer; see notes for model listings. Seating positions with limitations noted in vehicle owner’s manual: Depending on the CR placement/size, sometimes adjacent seat belts or LAs may not be accessible to properly secure additional passengers or CRs; in these cases adjacent seating positions should not be used. Seat belt used as a TA: A seat belt from the row behind CAN be used as a TA in three-row vehicles; vehicle manufacturer has no specific recommendation on how to connect the tether hook to the seat belt (See Chapter 5 for suggestions). "Rear Seat Delete" option: For certain vehicles, such as the Voyager, there is a “rear seat delete” option for commercial purchasers that prefer to have no rear seating. These owner's manuals state that rear-facing CRs are not to be used because the only seating is in the front. In other cases, when rear seating is present, all CR modes can be used in all rear seating positions according to vehicle and CR manufacturer's instructions. www.chrysler.com Maximum weight limit—LATCH system: May be used for child-plus-CR weights up to 65 pounds (29.5 kg). Maximum weight limit—lower anchors: LAs alone may be used for child-plus-CR weights up to 65 pounds (29.5 kg). Maximum weight limit—factory-installed TAs: When used with a seat belt, TAs may be used for child-plus-CR weights up to 65 pounds (29.5 kg) unless otherwise noted in the model listings. Maximum weight limit—retrofitted TAs: When used with a seat belt, TAs may be used for child-plus-CR weights up to 65 pounds (29.5 kg). Use of LATCH with belt-positioning boosters: Use of LAs and/or TA is allowed if it does not interfere with proper seat belt use and is also allowed by CR manufacturer. Shoulder belt entanglement: Vehicle manufacturer has no general recommendation regarding steps to reduce this risk; see owner’s manual for specific model information. Advanced air bag (AAB) suppression system: Vehicle manufacturer's AAB technology in specific models CAN be affected by pressure/force against the seatback or upward from under the front seat. See owner's manual for details. Affects passenger and/or driver side, depending on the model. U.S. 800-247-9753 Reprint from the 2013 edition of the LATCH Manual, Safe Ride News Publications, www.saferidenews.com CHRYSLER SEBRING PT CRUISER PROWLER MODEL 2D Convert. 4D 2D Convert. 4D 02 2D Convert. 03-06 01-02 96-00 07-10 04-06 01-03 N/A TA LATCH TA TA point 95-99 00 N/A TA LATCH N/A (2) LATCH (2) TAs None (2) LATCH (2) TAs (2) TA points (2) LATCH (2) LATCH N/A OUTBOARD SECOND ROW CENTER 05-08 05-10 01-04 YEAR BODY Vehicles with one or two rows of seats—Chrysler NOTES Reprint from the 2013 edition of the LATCH Manual, Safe Ride News Publications, www.saferidenews.com © 2013, Safe Ride News Publications; reprinted with permission. (2) TAs on body structure behind seat (3) TAs on rear filler panel Maximum Weight Limit—TAs: When a seat belt is used to install CR, tether may be attached to TA up to the CR manufacturer’s weight limit. Center: CAN use inner LAs from outboard LATCH positions to install a CR, if allowed by CR manufacturer. If LAs are used for center, LAs may not be used for either outboard position. Spacing between center anchors is 15.4 inches (392 mm). (3) TAs on rear filler panel Center: CAN use inner LAs from outboard LATCH positions to install a CR, if allowed by CR manufacturer. If LAs are used for center, LAs may not be used for either outboard position. Spacing between center anchors is 15.4 inches (392 mm). (3) TAs on rear filler panel Center: See “Seating positions with limitations…” bullet. (3) TAs on rear filler panel (3) TA points on rear filler panel TA Retrofit Part: MB597261 (center), MB612814 (outboard) (2) TAs behind seat (3) TAs on backs of seats Center: CAN use inner LAs from outboard LATCH positions to install a CR, if allowed by CR manufacturer. If LAs are used for center, LAs may not be used for either outboard position. Spacing between center anchors is 15.4 inches (390 mm). (3) TAs on backs of seats Center: See “Seating positions with limitations…” bullet. Front Seat: TA on floor behind seat Passenger-side air bag on-off switch; see owner's manual for more information. Note: For MY01 and prior, see Plymouth brand table in this appendix. B-44 National Child Passenger Safety Certification Training Program CPS Check Form Caregiver Name: Address: Vehicle Year: Make: Child’s Name: Model: Age: Weight: Height: I understand and agree that: ! The purpose of this program is to help reduce improper use of car seats, booster seats, and seat ! ! belts and that this inspection is provided as a free service to me. This program cannot fully evaluate the quality, safety, or condition of my child restraint or any component of my vehicle, including the seats, seat belt, or LATCH. This program cannot guarantee my child’s safety in a crash and it is important to read both the vehicle and child restraint instruction manuals. For these reasons, I release all program sponsors, volunteers, and Instructors from any present or future liability for any injuries or dangers that may result from a vehicle collision or otherwise. Caregiver Signature Date VEHICLE ON ARRIVAL D Driver 1. Mark an X on vehicle grid where car seat or booster seat was located. 2. Mark an M if car seat or booster seat was moved. 3. Mark an N for new car seat or booster seat installation. 4. 5. 6. 7. Child present? Child seated near active front passenger air bag? Child in restraint? Seat installed? YES NO YES NO Unborn YES NO (proceed to summary) YES NO NA SEAT INFORMATION Manufacturer: Model Name: Model Number: Date of Manufacture: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. YES NO UNSURE YES NO UNSURE YES NO UNSURE YES NO UNSURE YES NO UNSURE YES NO UNSURE Seat recalled? If recalled, has defect been repaired? Original owner/history known? Seat been in a crash? Seat expired? Caregiver registered car seat? CHILD ARRIVES REAR-FACING (CHECK ONE) Rear-Facing with Base Rear-Facing w/o Base 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Seat appropriate for height and weight of child? Seat appropriate for child’s age? Harness straps at or below shoulders? Harness retainer clip used correctly? Harness straps snug (pinch test-no slack)? Harness straps threaded and attached correctly? Convertible YES NO NA YES NO NA YES NO NA YES NO NA YES NO NA YES NO NA (continued on page 2) Page 1 CPS Check Form (continued) 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. Recline appropriate? Carrying handle in correct position for travel? Belt path correct? Seat installed with (check all that apply): Seat belt or lower anchors used correctly? Tether used correctly? YES NO NA YES NO NA YES NO NA Seat Belt Lower anchors Tether YES NO NA YES NO NA YES NO NA YES NO NA YES NO NA YES NO NA YES NO NA YES NO NA YES NO NA YES NO NA Seat Belt Lower anchors Tether YES NO NA YES NO NA YES NO NA YES NO NA YES NO NA YES NO NA YES NO NA YES NO NA YES NO YES NO YES YES NO NO CHILD ARRIVES FORWARD-FACING WITH HARNESS Convertible Forward-Facing Only 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. Seat appropriate for height and weight of child? Seat appropriate for child’s age? Harness straps at or below shoulders? Harness retainer clip used correctly? Harness straps snug (pinch test-no slack)? Harness straps threaded and attached correctly? Seat adjusted in appropriate position (upright unless otherwise allowed by instructions) Belt path correct? Seat installed with (check all that apply): Seat belt or lower anchors used correctly? Tether used correctly? LATCH weight limits observed? CHILD ARRIVES IN BELT-POSITIONING BOOSTER SEAT Backless High Back 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Seat appropriate for height and weight of child? Seat appropriate for child’s age? Is lap-shoulder belt positioned correctly? For backless boosters, is there head protection? Seat belt or lower anchors used correctly? CHILD ARRIVES IN SEAT BELT 1. Is seat belt appropriate for height of child? 2. With child’s back against vehicle seat, do legs bend naturally at edge of vehicle seat? 3. Is shoulder belt over center of chest? 4. Does lap belt fit low on hips? SUMMARY (CHECK ALL THAT APPLY) Upon departure, how was car seat, booster seat, or child restrained? Seat belt Lower anchors Tether Rear-facing Forward-facing NA All corrections made Not all corrections made (explain in comments) No misuse observed New car seat or booster seat recommended New car seat or booster seat provided (manufacturer/model/date) _____________________________ Caregiver installed or assisted Educational materials given Removed non-regulated products? (explain in comments) Page 2 YES NO NA CPS Check Form (continued) SEAT INFORMATION UPON DEPARTURE Manufacturer: Model Name: Model Number: Date of Manufacture: Seat Provided by: Donation Collected: Comments: Technician Name Date of Inspection Technician Name Date of Inspection Page 3
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