TÜV SÜD: More has to be done about children's safety in cars

TÜV SÜD: "More has to be done about children's safety in cars"

The latest crash tests for children's car seats carried out by TÜV SÜD on behalf of German special-interest magazine auto motor und sport have delivered some alarming results: only five out of nine seats tested received a 'recommended' rating, and the restraint system of one seat failed entirely. Yet all the seats in the tests complied with the statutory requirements of the ECE R44 regulation. In this context, TÜV SÜD points out that the statutory approval standard demonstrates compliance of the products with specific minimum requirements. However, parents seeking more effective protection for their children as car passengers should be sure to investigate the results of the latest independent consumer tests, which generally apply more rigorous criteria than legal standards – as, indeed, was the case in the tests for  the car magazine auto motor und sport.

In the most dramatic case of these tests, results of which are published in the new issue of auto motor und sport (publication date 22 September), the catch of the ISOFIX safety system on a carrier-style car seat failed completely, turning the seat into a deadly missile during the test. No less worrying was a case experienced by the testers where a booster seat purchased from a home improvement store had no fastening system at all and slipped out from under the test dummy during crash testing at 51 km/h and deceleration of 31 g. TÜV SÜD expert Dr Lothar Wech comments, "Given these test results, one must suspect that some manufacturers tailor their systems exactly to the requirements of the ECE R44 standard. As the tests clearly show, there is plenty more that can be done to ensure children's safety." In this context, TÜV SÜD has worked with the Stuttgart-based special-interest magazine for 19 years to carry out crash tests on children's car seats, applying the same criteria throughout – which exceed the requirements set forth in ECE R44/04. For example, in TÜV SÜD's tests the restraint systems are mounted on the rear seat of a reinforced car chassis which is accelerated to 51 km/h and then decelerated with a force of at least 31 g. In comparison, legal requirements state a range between 20 and 28 g.

But despite the deficiencies revealed in the tests, Wech warns parents against abandoning restraint systems for child passengers altogether in response to the latest results. "It is still better for a child to travel in an approved restraint system than completely unsecured or with an adult safety-belt", urges the expert, pointing out that a well-chosen seat that is suitable for the vehicle offers an effective level of protection. TÜV SÜD offers advice on what to look out for when purchasing and how to choose the best system for your needs.

Direction: Most child car seats face forward in the direction of travel. Newborns and infants are restrained in 'reboard' or rearward-facing systems, i.e. against the direction of travel. These systems offer better protection in the more frequent head-on collisions – especially in the head and neck region. An infant's head is very heavy in relation to the rest of its body, and a reboard or rearward-facing system offers the best possible support.  

Important advice concerning rearward-facing systems: Many parents want to have their little ones as close to them as possible, and therefore fit the rearward-facing baby car seat to the passenger seat. In this situation, deactivation of the passenger airbag is of paramount importance. Dr Wech warns, "When travelling alone with a child, it is safer to have your baby within reach, to avoid having to turn around and look back. Generally, however, the rear seats are safer for children."

Fastening: ISOFIX or seat belts?The most effective fastening method is an ISOFIX system that connects the seat directly to the vehicle – provided that the car is already equipped with the required ISOFIX points. For cars without ISOFIX points, belt systems may also offer the required level of restraint.

Category: The seat also must fit the car. Most systems are 'universal'and are designed to be fitted in any vehicle. The designations 'semi-universal', 'restricted' and 'vehicle-specific' mean that these child car seats fit only certain vehicles and seat positions. The appropriate information must be provided clearly and unmistakably on the packaging. The term 'special' is used to identify systems which may only be used in one car model.

Weight class: Group '0' is for infants weighing up to ten kilos. The extended group '0+' up to 13 kilos was introduced specifically for reboard systems. Group '1' classifies seats for children weighing between nine and 18 kilos, group '2' between 15 and 25 kilos and group '3' for all children weighing 22 kilos and more – most seats in this category are booster cushions.

Laws: The most important rule is that up to the age of twelve, children smaller than 150 cm may only travel in cars in an appropriate restraint system. This applies to all vehicles for which seat belts are mandatory, i.e. also to mobile homes and vans. Restraint systems must be officially approved. For this purpose, they are comprehensively tested in accordance with ECE regulation 44. This regulation was amended in April 2008. Since then, only child car seats tested in accordance with the ECE R 44/03 or 44/04 standard may be used; child restraint systems in accordance with ECE R44/01 or R44/02 are no longer permitted. Motorists who continue to use these child car seats endanger their children and may find themselves subject to a fine of 30 euros.

Certification mark: The following information must be provided on a (frequently orange) label affixed to the system. This label includes the following mandatory information (see example above):

  • Restraint-system category, e.g. 'universal'
  • The seat's weight class, for example for children between 15 and 25 kg
  • The seat's approval mark
  • The name of the seat manufacturer

Tips for buying a child car seat: "The most important rule is to take your child with you when you buy the seat, and to try out the seat in your car", advises Dr Wech. This helps parents to assess the following criteria at the shop while purchasing: the seat should be easy to fit and remove, and its fastening system and belt guides should perfectly match the vehicle. Ask the retailer to show you how to fit and remove the seat. Many retailers receive special training by the car seat manufacturer. Another important consideration is that the child must be comfortable in the carrier or seat – also when asleep. Seats that offer flexible reclining angles and good lateral protection are best. Car seat supports are available that prevent the sleeping child from slipping out of the seat and also offer protection in vehicles with side air bags. Older children should have a say in the purchasing decision, to prevent protests later on and thus help to ensure higher safety.

The TÜV SÜD tip "Children in cars – correct use of restraint systems" includes further advice. The brochure is available as a free download at www.tuev-sued.de in the private customer area Cars & Vehicles.

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