|
|
|
Car Seat and Air Bag Information
|
|
|
Lower Universal
|
|
|
All new vehicles manufactured in Canada, on or after September 1, 2002, are equipped with the Lower Universal Anchorage System (UAS) in at least two rear seating positions. The new system, also known as the ISOFIX or Latch (Lower Anchors and Tether for Children), makes installing car seats easier. This innovative system was built into some earlier vehicle models but it is now the norm for most vehicles as required by Transport Canada. Concurrently, all new infant and child seats manufactured in Canada, on or after September 1, 2002, are equipped with two connectors that can be attached to the new system in vehicles. These new seats are still designed to work with seat belts in any vehicle. Both systems are equal in terms of safety when properly installed, however the new design is far more convenient to use. Never use both systems at the same time. To use the new system: In your vehicle, you will need to locate the 2 lower anchors installed between the vehicle seat back and seat cushion. Look for the "LATCH" symbol (see above) or consult the vehicle owner's manual. There will be at least two rear seating positions with a system. Each positions will have a top tether anchor installed. Besides the top tether strap, your new car seat will have two attachments with connectors. Look for the "LATCH" symbol. These attachments are one of 2 types:
Read and follow the vehicle owner's manual and car seat manufacturer's instructions for correct installation of ALL car seats. Regardless of which system you use (UAS or seat belts) all forward-facing car seats and combination seats, used as a forward- facing seat, will have a top tether strap attachment that hooks to the top tether anchor. A tether strap is an additional belt that anchors the car seat top to the vehicle, reducing the forward movement and rotation of the seat in a crash. Never use the top tether strap with a rear-facing car seat, booster seat or a combination seat once it is used as a booster rather remove the loose and unused strap as it may cause injury in the case of a sudden stop.
| |
|
Stages 1, 2, 3 and 4
Rear-Facing to Forward-Facing Although 10 kg (22 lbs.) is generally considered the weight at which an infant could be placed in a forward-facing child restraint, the child's physical development is considered more crucial in defining when to place an infant forward facing. For example, there are infants who are 10 kg (22 lbs.) but only four or five months old. The neck muscles of these infants are not strong enough to support the weight of their head, and the seat should therefore be left in a rear-facing position. Combination Child Seats A Combination Child Seat can be used for the infant as a rear-facing carrier and, when the child is older, as a front-facing car seat. Integrated (Built-in) Child Seats Some vehicles have child restraint systems built into the vehicle seat bench. These seats are required to meet CMVSS 213.4. Since these seats are built right into the vehicle seat bench, they do not require the use of a tether strap. If your vehicle is equipped with built-in child seats, consult your owner's manual for age and weight limits. Booster (Cushion) Seats The Booster Seat helps position the lap belt and shoulder belt properly over the child's body. The Booster Seat is secured by the vehicle seat belt system. In vehicles with a low seat back, the child's head might protrude over the vehicle seat back when placed in a booster cushion. In this case, the child must be placed in the vehicle seat belt system without a booster cushion. DON'T rush to move your child from a booster seat to a vehicle seat belt. An alternative is to purchase a high-back booster. Currently, all high-back boosters must be used with a lap and shoulder belt. MORE
|
Special Case Installations
Vehicles with Automatic Restraint Systems Some vehicles are equipped with door-mounted seat belt systems. As the door opens, the belt stretches with the door, allowing the occupant to get in and out. As the door closes, the belt automatically wraps around the passenger. Child restraints cannot be used with this type of seat belt system because the lap portion of the seat belt does not hold the restraint firmly in place. In cases where child seats must be used in a seating position with automatic seat belts, a floor-mounted (manual) belt, available from the vehicle dealer, must be installed. For more information, consult your vehicle owner's manual, or see your dealer. Vehicles with Continuous Loop Lap/Shoulder Belts Some vehicles have continuous loop lap/shoulder belts with metal tongues that slide freely up and down the belt. When used with child restraints the lap belt can work loose as the car swerves and turns corners. With continuous loop lap/shoulder belts, a locking clip must be used to prevent the lap portion of the belt from loosening. This device is a special H-shaped metal clip that locks together the lap and shoulder portion of the seat belt, keeping the child car seat firmly in place. In newer vehicles these seat belt systems can be converted to seat belt systems that lock up. Consult your vehicle owner's manual when using this type of seat belt to secure a child restraint. Child Restraints on Aircraft Most child car seats on the market today are accepted on commercial airlines. Before flying, give your airline the name of the child seat manufacturer and the model number (found on the Statement of Compliance label on the seat). The airline can confirm whether that seat is allowed on its aircraft. |
|
|
