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Child safety in cars

In Germany, children up to the age of 12 years, who are shorter than 150 centimetres, must be secured in an appropriate child seat when travelling in cars. 80% of all children travelling in built-up areas are secured; when looking at children up to an age of five years, this figure is 90 percent. Studies, however, showed that only 35% of these children are secured correctly in the child-restraint systems.

A brochure (PDF, 1MB) by BASt, provides a current overview of the different systems.

Research

The correct protection is essential for the survival of children in passenger cars. BASt has therefore been working on this topic for years. The results of in-house crash tests were considered in addition to experience derived from real accidents and the daily use of child restraint systems. The focal points of BASt work are its participation in the compilation of test specifications for child restraint systems and their further development at an international level as well as research activities as part of national and European projects.

Projects

BASt was involved in the European projects CREST (Child Restraint SysTems, 1996 - 2000), CHILD (Child Injury Led Design, Advanced methods for improved Child Safety, 2002 - 2006) and CASPER (Child Advanced Safety Project for European Roads, 2009 - 2012). Within the framework of these research projects, an accident database consisting of real accidents was developed and numerous accidents were reconstructed with the aim of reproducing injury mechanisms by means of dummies equipped with instruments for measuring the occurring stresses. The aim is to improve knowledge with regard to bio-mechanical stress limits and to thus expand the opportunities for the assessment of child protection systems. During the projects, a new series of child dummies was developed: the Q-series. Special emphasis was placed on a comprehensive understanding of the circumstances involved when transporting children in vehicles and the resulting requirements. The results of the CASPER project were also applied in working groups for statutory regulations. These also have an influence on the development of dummies and sensors in the field of child dummies.

The photo shows a sled test Sled test according to ECE R44, comparison of dummies of the P- and Q-series

Scientifically based, objective test protocols for the evaluation of universally applicable child restraint systems were developed in the European project NPACS (New Programme for the Assessment of Child-restraint Systems). These protocols are related to dynamic tests (front and side) as well as handling test. Current vehicle design, child seat developments and information of real accidents were considered.

Working groups

Furthermore, BASt supports the informal working group of UNECE/GRSP for child safety. The working group developed the new UNECE Regulation 129 for the approval of child-restraint systems. In its first phase, the working group dealt with universal ISOFix child-restraint systems, where the child is secured via an integral belt system or an impact shield. The new regulation simplifies the application of child-restraint systems. The systems offer a higher level of safety than systems approved according to UNECE Regulation 44.

The brochure (PDF, 1MB) "Child Safety in Cars" explains the current regulations and systems.

The research results of BASt are not only reflected in standards and test instructions. The findings are, for example, also submitted to Euro NCAP (European New Car Assessment Programme) and used to provide consumers with advice and help.

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