The safety and ease of use of child car seats have improved generally although there are some models which could not stand up to a frontal impact in a car crash, according to the latest test of the Consumer Council.
Three of the models tested this year were awarded the 4-star rating in the overall assessment of their performance (5-star is the highest). In comparison, the top performers last year scored only 3.5-star rating.
Despite this, the Council hopes that child restraint manufacturers will continue to improve their products so that the loads on the child in an accident will be even further reduced.
The test, conducted in association with the International Consumer Research and Testing (ICRT) and European automobile clubs, reported on 24 models (14 were published in 2003) of car seats available in Hong Kong, covering different weight groups from newborn up to 36 kg and ranging in price from $559 to $2,780.
All the models are labelled ECE R44.03 approved in compliance with the European safety standard and regulation.
Nonetheless, when tested under more stringent and realistic (with real car chassis) conditions than stipulated in the ECE standard this year, one of the selected models has raised safety concerns - a carrycot model designed for newborn and baby of less than 10 kg.
In the frontal crash impact test, the carrycot was dislodged from the car seat and the cot and dummy were catapulted forward.
Consumers are, therefore, advised to take extra care and precaution in the use of this model.
Carrycots should always be fitted so that the head end of the child is facing towards the middle of the vehicle. In this way, a direct blow to the child's head in a side crash can be avoided. Severe neck and spinal injuries can be expected if the child's head is anywhere near the area of impact.
Generally, children up to 13 kg in rearward-facing seats fitted opposite to the direction of travel are exposed to lower forces in frontal crash impact, while children of weight groups of up to 18 kg, 9 to 18 kg and 15 to 36 kg in forward-facing seats are exposed to lower forces in side crash impact.
Further, motorists and parents should bear in mind that when choosing a car seat, the body weight and size of the child is a main criterion that should be taken into account, age is just an indication usually. They are advised to consult the test report in this August issue of CHOICE for guidance.
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