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C H I L D R E S T R A I N T S
Young children should not be consi-
dered as small adults; until the age
of 7 or 8 the ratio of head weight to
body weight is different to that of
adults.
During violent deceleration or an
impact, the weight of the head and
the relative weakness of the neck
muscles can cause serious spinal
injury.
It is only from the age of approxi-
mately 10 or a height of 4’ 6” (1.35
m) that children can use the same
means of restraint as an adult.
Up to the age of 9 months
(up to 10 kg):
From 9 months to 3 years
(up to 18 kg):
This is why most countries legislate
on the means of transporting chil-
dren, and the sale and use of safe-
ty equipment suitable for their
weight.
a rearward facing child seat, to be
installed using a 3 point (inertia
reel) seat belt.
a forward facing child seat, to be
installed in the rear using a 2 or 3
point (lap or inertia reel) seat belt.
The majority of experts in the field
of accident study, currently recom-
mend:
The results of studies carried out into numerous road accidents
clearly indicate that the rear seats of a vehicle are the safest
places for children to sit.
It is thus strongly recommended that, whenever possible,
child seats are fitted in the rear.
This includes rearward facing child seats.
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