This report describes a program of simulated car crashes and examinations designed to evaluate the child restraints currently available in Australia. Each restraint was subjected to crash simulations producing deceleration forces equal to 17 times the weight of the occupant. During each crash, data such as harness forces, deceleration and velocity were recorded and high speed movies were provided. It was concluded that, in general, SAA-approved devices afforded a degree of protection adequate to ensure survival of the occupant in most real life frontal collisions; there were, however, some aspects of approved devices which could have been improved. In general, non-approved device were considered inadequate. Though some devices could easily be modified to satisfy safety requirements. The report concludes with detailed appraisals of 21 commercial products manufactured in Australia, Canada, Britain or the United States of America.
Abstract