News

News

NHTSA Issues Rule to Improve LATCH Usability

In January, NHTSA issued a final rule to improve the usability of the LATCH system. To read the rulemaking document, click here or search Docket No. NHTSA-2024-0089 at www.regulations.gov.

Most aspects of the new rule apply to FMVSS 225, directing vehicle manufacturers to further standardize several aspects of lower anchors (LAs) and tether anchors (TAs). The rule also includes a few new requirements for CRs and will amend the upcoming FMVSS 213b.

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Rule Upgrade Requires a Rear Seat Belt Warning System

Final rule marks the first time that belt status warnings will be required for passengers in front and rear seats

In December, NHTSA updated FMVSS 208, Occupant Protection Systems, to require a seat belt use warning system for rear seats. The agency also updated the existing requirements for the driver’s belt warning by extending the duration of the audio and video warnings, and it applied the driver-seat requirements to the front passenger seat.

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Reminder: Keep Debris Out of CR’s Harness Locking Mechanism

A happy aspect of modern CR design is the near uniformity of the system that shortens and lengthens the harness webbing: a front-and-center adjuster strap with a nearby locking/unlocking mechanism.

This familiar system relies on the functionality of a simple lock, which is commonly called a central front adjuster, or CFA. When a CFA is undisturbed, a spring holds its toothed metal clamp onto the CR’s adjuster strap webbing, preventing the harness from moving in the direction that would allow it to lengthen, so it is locked; to unlock and lengthen the harness, simply use a finger to rotate or toggle the CFA so it no longer clamps onto the webbing.

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Study Looks at Gap Distances Between RF CRs and Front Seats in Frontal Crashes

In September, the journal Traffic Injury Prevention published an article by Maltese, et al., titled “An evaluation of front seat distance from rear facing child restraint systems in prevention of injury in frontal crashes.” As the title suggests, it is the long-awaited paper that provides the scientific backing for Dorel’s summer 2023 announcement requiring its CRs used rear facing to gently touch the vehicle seat ahead whenever possible.

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Hot Topic: Rear-Facing CRs Touching Seatbacks in Front of Them

As CPSTs know, following CR instructions is essential. A few other considerations are equally important, including following the vehicle instructions and addressing the safety needs of all passengers. Whenever CR instructions intersect with these other considerations, CPSTs must carefully consider all aspects when advising caregivers. “Seatback touching” is such a situation, so this article looks at some of the related considerations.

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