Children Car Seat Safety
Q:What is LATCH?
A:
LATCH stands for Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children. It is a system
mandated by the federal government in an effort to standardize and
simplify the installation of child restraints. Nearly all new vehicles
and child safety seats manufactured on and after September 1, 2002 will
be equipped with the LATCH system. Cars, minivans, and light trucks
will be required to have anchor points between the vehicle's seat
cushion and the seat back in at least two rear seating positions. Child
safety seats will have tether straps or rigid connectors that hook into
these anchors, thereby eliminating the need to secure the safety seat
to the vehicle using the vehicle's seat belt system.
Q:What happens if I own a new LATCH-equipped vehicle, do I have to buy a new car seat with LATCH?
A:
No, you can still use the vehicle seat belt system to secure your
safety seat to the vehicle, and it is just as safe. However, many child
safety seat manufacturers offer LATCH retro-fit kits that can make your
current seat LATCH-ready. Contact your child safety seat manufacturer
to find out if your seat can be equipped with LATCH connectors.
Q:What if I don't have a vehicle with LATCH?
A: As
of September 1, 2002, child safety seats are required to have both seat
belt and LATCH options. All new child safety seats still can be safely
and securely buckled into a vehicle using the vehicle's seat belt
system.
Q: Is it is still important to have my child seat inspected?
A: Yes,
even with LATCH car seat installation mistakes and misuse can still
occur. LATCH resolves two of the most common safety seat errors, but
other risks remain. These errors include the following: the child
safety seat harness straps are too loose; the child safety seat is
facing the wrong direction in the vehicle; the child is not the
appropriate height, weight and/or age for the safety seat; the infant
seat is in the path of an air bag, children who should ride in a
booster seat are moved prematurely to an adult seat belt system; and
the safety seat has been recalled or has been involved in a crash. Have
your child's safety seat inspected by a trained and certified
technician for free, by calling toll-free 1-866-SEAT-CHECK or by
logging onto: www.seatcheck.org.
Q:If I have a LATCH-compatible vehicle and car seat, will that ensure my child's safety?
A:While
the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates
that the LATCH system will reduce as much as half the misuse associated
with improperly installing a safety seat, it does not eliminate all
mistakes. Many other factors contribute to an increased risk of injury
if a child is incorrectly secured when involved in a crash. For
example: the child is not the appropriate age/weight/height for the
safety seat, the car seat harness straps are too loose, or the seat has
been recalled or involved in a crash, thus not giving the child
adequate protection. It is best to have a trained and certified
technician inspect your seat and teach you the proper installation for
your vehicle and safety seat. Locate an inspection location convenient
to you by calling or logging onto Seat Check (866-SEAT-CHECK, www.seatcheck.org).
Q: My child uses a booster seat. Will I need the new LATCH system?
A:No,
LATCH is used only for rear-facing and forward-facing child safety
seats that must be installed in a vehicle. Booster seats are for
children at least 40 lbs. and up to 4'9" tall and help the vehicle's
standard lap and shoulder belt fit better. The vehicle's lap and
shoulder belt provides restraint when used with a booster seat.