There was good news from the latest Insurance Institute for Highway Safety report on child safety seats — more than half did well in the tests. The report is detailed in a story from CBS, and there is a link to the full study. Here are the opening paragraphs:
The institute, which is funded by insurers, ranked 31 new models. Nineteen earned the top rating of “best bet,” which means they correctly position a 4- to 8-year-old child to use the regular shoulder and lap belts in almost any car. That is the most top ratings the institute has issued since it began rating booster seats in 2008.
“The booster seat will properly position the lap and shoulder belts so that the lap belt lies flat against the upper thighs and the shoulder belt lies firmly in the middle of the shoulder,” said Jessica Jermakia, senior research scientist with the IIHS.
Studies have shown children in booster seats are 45 percent less likely to get hurt in a crash compared to kids who buckle up without one. Children should use boosters until they’re big enough for adult belts to fit properly.
To the full list from the IIHS, click here.
