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

2. Objectives Recognize and correct vehicle and CR compatibility issues
Determine best practice for incompatibilities
Recognize and correct misuse of CR
Discuss and demonstrate effective parent communication strategies
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3. Misuse Rates 1996 NHTSA study of 6000 children in four states in 1994
Most CRS installed without the use of instructions
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4. Misuse Rates August 2002 National SAFE KIDS study: 81.6% misused
Average of three errors per seat
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5. Misuse Rates
Informal checkup events consistently record at least 90% misuse rates
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6. Why Are Misuse Rates So High?
All economic and education levels represented
Many different child restraints and vehicles available
Caregivers don’t read instructions
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7. Why Are Misuse Rates High?
Instructions are not read
Some instructions are complicated and contradictory
Hand-me down seats missing parts or instructions
Misunderstanding about crash dynamics
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8. Types of Misuse Selection errors Harnessing errors Installation errors
Often observed in combination
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9. Selection Errors Using a CRS with shield for small infant
Using outgrown CRS
Child too small/young for CRS
Using non 213 certified device
Using recalled & unrepaired CRS.
Using second-hand CRS with missing history or parts.
Using crash-involved CRS or safety belt
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10. Harnessing Errors Not using harness at all Routed through wrong slots
Not doubled back if needed
Knotted or pinned or incorrectly routed
Too loose
Not placed on child correctly
Frayed or damaged
Metal adjuster not flush with slot or out of position
Retainer clip not at armpit level
Crotch strap too long or wrong position
Using "add-ons" not approved by the CRS manufacturer
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11. Installation Errors CRS not anchored to the vehicle at all
RF CRS in front of active air bag
Turned FF too early
RF only CRS facing forward.
Incorrect recline angle
Vehicle safety belt or lower anchorage belt too loose or not locked
Locking clip
Not used when needed
Incorrectly placed, or
Used when not needed
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12. Installation Errors
Vehicle safety belt or lower anchorage belt routed incorrectly
Tether not connected properly or too loose
No tether used if required
Incorrect use of LATCH anchors
Using two belts, or belt and LATCH together
Using "add-ons" not approved by the CRS or vehicle manufacturer
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13. Consequences of Misuse
Deaths and injuries attributed to misuse
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14. Misuse of Safety Belts Child too small Lap belt too high
Belt too loose
Shoulder belt under arm
Shoulder belt behind back
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15. Classroom Hands-On Exercise
Identify specific CRS errors. Look at:
Seat selection
Harness placement
Seat orientation
Recalls and instructions
Parts
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16. Vehicle Compatibility Issues
Can be serious or fatal
Some vehicles not designed to transport children
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17. Vehicle Compatibility Issues: CRS vs. Vehicle Seat Design
Deep contours
Side-facing
Steep slopes
Center seat humps
Short and/or narrow seats
Space in vehicle
RF CRS and small rear seat
Multiple CRSs side by side may not be possible
Limited roof height
Vehicle seat back height
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18. CRS vs. Vehicle Seat Design: Possible Fixes
Try another seating position.
Tightly rolled towel or a foam noodle (only for rear-facing seat).
Must not raise or move the CRS forward
Should not be of a size to change the length of the lap belt securing the RF CRS
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19. CRS vs. Vehicle Seat Design: Possible Fixes
Use CRS with different base, belt paths, high back, etc.
Tether attachment
Remember how to say "I don't know of a safe way
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20. Vehicle Compatibility Issues: Vehicle Equipment Issues
Anchors forward of bight or asymmetrical
Automatic safety belts
Buckles too large
Safety belts too short
Anchors too close
Buckle stalk too long
No shoulder belts
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21. Vehicle Equipment Issues: Possible Fixes
Another seating position
Additional buckle attachment
Manual lap belt added
Belt shortening clip
Tether attachment
CRS with different belt path
If allowed, semi-recline FF CRS
Twist belt webbing at buckle stalk
Shoulder belt, Y-harness, or vest added
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22. Vehicle Compatibility Issues
Fixes can cause complications
KEEP IT SIMPLE!
Parent MUST be able to reproduce correct installation
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23. Compatibility Issues: Air Bags and Rear-Facing CRSs
Impact delivered to infant’s head during inflation
Must install in back seat if no on/off switch is available
Side air bag systems interactions unknown
Follow NHTSA recommendations
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24. Compatibility Issues: Air Bags and Forward-Facing CRSs
If child MUST ride in front:
Should be child who
Can be correctly restrained and
Stay farthest away and
Have the best upper body protection
Vehicle seat must be moved back as far as possible
On/Off switch recommended for frequent, routine front seat installation
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25. Compatibility Issues: Air Bags and Children in Safety Belts
Both lap and shoulder belt must fit correctly
Child must stay “in position”
Children under 13 safest in the back
Side air bag interaction unknown at this time
Follow NHTSA recommendations
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26. Some Solutions Short term: Educate Long Term: Technology advancements
Consumers
Technicians
Advocates
Long Term: Technology advancements
CRSs more user friendly
Compatibility of CRSs & vehicles
TREAD Act
Ongoing efforts have been successful
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27. Classroom Exercise: “What’s Wrong With This Picture?”
Examples of misuse and compatibility issues
Determine what is correct and incorrect about each scene
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28. Classroom Exercise: “What’s Wrong With This Picture?”
Switch to “What’s Wrong” Module for Examples
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29. Hands-On Exercises 1. Identify CRS misuse in vehicles
Do not change scenarios
2. Role play effective Communication
Practice advocacy skills
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30. Communicating with Parents
Accurate & thorough assessment
Weight, height, age
Developmental or physical limits
Type of CRS
Type of vehicle
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31. Communicating with Parents
Circumstances determine approach:
Solicited help
Checkup event
Safety fair display
Telephone inquiry
Be cautious when providing unsolicited advice or comments
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32. Communicating with Parents
Awareness and Attitude:
Body language/facial expressions
Interaction not lecture
Encouraging attitude
Patience
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33. Communicating with Parents
Simplify and clarify language: “baby seat” may mean “infant seat”, “convertible”, “booster seat”, “feeder seat”
Define terms and acronyms
Explain concepts in lay terms
Explain why
Use examples
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34. Communicating with Parents
Real issue vs Original Question
“Which car seat is escape proof?”
“When can I turn him around?”
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35. Communicating with Parents
Don’t ignore the child
Include in conversation
Teach how to buckle up
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36. Communicating with Parents
Invest the time to do it right
Don’t rush or talk too fast
Instruct and demonstrate
Ask for return demonstration
Better learning experience
Minimizes liability
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37. Communicating with Parents
Be comfortable saying:
“I don’t know the answer, but I’ll find out…”
“I can’t tell you a safe way to do that…”
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38. CPS Technician’s Role Listen and assess Interpret issues and teach
Be an accurate, credible source
Instill confidence
Recognize your limits
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39. “Tough Choices” are made by the parents and caregivers
Parent’s Role
“Tough Choices” are made by the parents and caregivers
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