Motorists are reminded to use child car seats for the protection of young children.
In an updated test report on the product (previously one in 2003 and one in 2004), the Consumer Council has rated a total of 19 models available in the market. All samples are approved in accordance with the European safety standard and regulation (ECE44.03).
The models cover different weight categories ranging from new-born up to 36 kg, and priced from $679 to $3,228. When choosing a car seat, the body weight of the child is the main criterion and not age which is at best just an indication for reference.
The test was conducted in association with the International Consumer Research and Testing (ICRT) to assess the safety and ease of use of child car seats.
The test is more stringent and realistic (using actual vehicles) than the ECE standard with which all the samples were in compliance.
Substantial variations were found in their overall results: 2 models scored 4 out of 5 stars, 4 models 3.5 stars, 7 models 3 stars, 3 models 2.5 stars, 1 model 2 stars, another 1.5 stars, and 1 model only 1 star.
Some models designed to accommodate several weight categories in one seat have their appeal and are more economical, but the test showed that they lagged behind in performance compared with those with a more focused weight group.
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. Whereas children in forward-facing seats are exposed to lower forces in the event of a side crash impact.
Parents and motorists are urged to consult the test report to choose accordingly, and equally important, to use a child safety car seat correctly.
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