SAFETY
United nations economic commission for europe child restraint systems
Users' guide to protecting the world's children.
Babies and children are the most vulnerable road users. Parents who wish to make sure that their child is safe when travelling by car may wish to consult this brochure. It should help parents understand the importance of using a well selected child's seat that offers the maximum possible protection to our beloved. 1. Why to protect your chil?
Babies and toddlers have – compared to older children and adults – weaker neck muscles carrying a relatively large and heavy head in relation to their body. To reduce the risk of severe injuries in the case of crashes or emergency braking, it is important that this group of children is transported against the driving direction for as long as possible.Always use a child restraint system when transporting your child in a car.
2. What are the legal requirements?
Most of national or regional legislation requires the use of child restraint systems for the transport of children up to a certain age or
height.
Please consult the legal requirements that apply in your country.
3. Use and misuse of child restraint systems.
Where the use of child restraint systems is required by law, a high rate of use of these systems can be observed at least for children up to 1 year of age. However the rate of use is drastically reduced especially as of the age of 5 years. Furthermore high rates of improperly installed universal child restraint systems or even unsecured children in a child restraint system have been observed. Child restraint systems using ISOFIX anchorages for their installation reduce the possibility for misuse or improper installation.
Please follow the instructions for installation and use of your child restraint system.
> Air-bags have to be deactivated when using a rear facing child restraint system in the first row!
4. Approved child restraint systems
a. UN Regulation No. 44
Child restraint systems approved under UN Regulation 44 are classified into five weight groups. For children up to 13 kg they are rearward facing. For the groups up to 18 kg these child restraint systems have integrated harness system or impact shield. The groups for heavier children up to 36 kg mostly use the vehicle's safety belt for restraining.