child seat
A child seat , also called a restraint device for motor vehicles , is a seat that is adapted to the small body size of children . As a rule, the term is used to describe a seat for the safe transport of children in vehicles or on bicycles , which has fastening systems for the seat and restraint systems for the child or, in a vehicle, at least increases the child's seating position so that the seat is required The seat belt does not run along the neck, but over the shoulder.
Bicycles and moped
In Germany, children under the age of seven may only be taken on bicycles and mopeds by a person at least 16 years old if a special seat (child seat / bicycle) is available. With this version - attached either to the handlebar (bicycle) or to the luggage rack - the children's feet must not be able to get into the spokes .
Motor vehicles
Classification
ECE-R 44
| ECE-R 44 seal of approval |
|
| Category, here: Semi-Universal ( Isofix ) |
|
| Weight class, here: class I (9-18 kg) |
|
| Approval country, here: Netherlands (4) |
|
| Test number, the first two digits indicate the test standard, here: 04 ... |
| ECE-R 44 seal of approval |
|
| Category, here: Universal (with adult belt) |
|
| Weight class, here: Class II to III (15–36 kg) |
|
| Approval country, here: France (2) |
|
| Test number, the first two digits indicate the test standard, here: 04 ... |
According to ECE regulation No. 44, child seats are divided into four categories with regard to attachment:
- "Universal" (suitable in most positions, attachment via adult belt),
- "Restricted" (special sitting position, attachment via adult belt),
- "Semi-Universal" (for use with ISOFIX systems) and
- "Special vehicle".
In addition, ECE regulation No. 44 differentiates between five weight classes, with class 0 (up to 10 kg) being replaced by class 0+ .
| Classification | Weight in kg | Others |
|---|---|---|
| Class 0+ | <13 | only permitted against the direction of travel |
| Class I. | 9 to 18 | opposite and in the direction of travel possible |
| Class II | 15 to 25 | Opposite and in the direction of travel possible with ISOFIX only permitted in the direction of travel only booster seat possible |
| Class III | 22 to 36 | with ISOFIX only permitted in the direction of travel, only booster seats possible |
Since April 8, 2008, only child seats that have been tested in accordance with ECE 44/03 or higher may be used. You can tell whether this is the case by the first two digits of the eight-digit approval number on the orange ECE test seal, as these indicate the test version. If the number starts with 01 or 02, the seat is out of date. The seat is permitted for 03 or 04, with 03 being technically equivalent to 04.
ECE-R 129, worldwide standard
It has long been known that a child of average build grows out of the seat significantly earlier than it reaches the weight limit. On July 9, 2013, ECE / UN regulation No. 129 came into force, which has meanwhile been signed by over 60 countries. It is based on the size of the child ( "i-Size" ) and requires an Isofix attachment. The manufacturers of child seats can determine for which size range the seat is suitable. Child seats certified according to this regulation may also only allow children to be transported backwards in the first 15 months of life (according to class 0+ of ECE-R 44). This new seating standard will replace the ECE-R 44 in the long term.
| Classification | Size (in cm |
|---|---|
| Class Q0 | ≤ 60 |
| Class Q1 | 60 to ≤ 75 |
| Class Q1.5 | 75 to ≤ 87 |
| Class Q3 | 87 to ≤ 105 |
| Class Q6 | 105 to ≤ 125 |
| Class Q10 | > 125 |
While in October 2014 only one manufacturer produced a child seat according to ECE-R 129 ( "i-size" ) with Isofix and support leg, in April 2016 over 15 baby seats and child seats up to 105 cm according to the new safety standard were already being sold. In March 2018, the first child seat approved according to ECE-R 129-02 for children from 100 cm came onto the market.
Use, legal requirements, regulations and sanctions
America
In the USA , child seats are generally certified according to the NHTSA standard and each of the 50 US states has its own child safety regulations.
Germany
In 1963, the manufacturer Storchenmühle launched the world's first child car seat with the "Nicki" model. In 1989 the “reboard” seat and in 2001 the Isofix system were introduced.
Since April 1, 1993, in Germany, according to Section 21 (1a) of the Road Traffic Act (StVO), children up to the age of twelve who are shorter than 150 cm have only been allowed to sit in motor vehicles on seats for which seat belts are required, only with child restraint devices (Child seats) are taken.
The safety rate for children in child seats exceeded the 90 percent mark in Germany in 1990 and has reached a high safety rate of 98 percent since 2008. However, every fifth child from the age of 6 [insufficient] is only secured with the adult seat belt (and booster seat). In 2013, 10,228 children up to the age of 15 had an accident in a car in Germany, of which 1203 children were seriously injured and 25 children were killed.
Incorrect installation of child seats and errors in securing children have fallen from over 50 percent (1995) to 21 percent (2008), also due to the use of the Isofix system. Serious installation errors are made, especially with rear-facing baby seats. The Accident Research of Insurers (UDV) has published the brochures Safeguarding children in the car (German) and Çocuğunuzun emniyeti sizin elinizde (Turkish) as well as developing a 16-minute video to provide parents with information and support . It provides information on the correct use of child seats.
A child seat is compulsory in Germany according to § 21 Abs. 1a StVO since 1993 for children who have not yet reached the age of 12 and who are shorter than 150 cm. Anyone who takes a child with them in a vehicle without securing them, or who does not ensure that a child is secured in a vehicle, faces a fine of 60 euros (70 euros for several children) and 1 point in the register of fitness to drive . In vehicles that are not equipped with seat belts, children under three years of age may not be transported under any circumstances. Children from the age of three who are shorter than 150 cm must be carried in the back seat of such vehicles.
Transport in child seats that are no longer approved according to the test standards ECE 44/01 or ECE 44/02 is also not permitted. If a rear-facing baby seat is used on the front passenger seat despite the airbag being activated , there is a risk of a warning fee of 25 euros. In addition, a warning label (sticker) must be placed in a clearly visible place on all vehicles with an operational airbag on the front passenger seat. If the relevant warning is missing, a € 5 warning fee will be charged. In the event of damage, the insurance company can and will reduce claims benefits.
Recommendation of the DVR
The German Road Safety Council recommends three child seat models from babies to the end of compulsory child seats: a class 0+ baby seat, a class I child seat for toddlers and a class II / III child seat for kindergarten and school children.
- With class 0+ (up to 13 kg) there is no alternative to rearward-facing transport for safety reasons. Only when the child's head reaches the edge of the shell or the belt guide no longer fits according to the instructions for the shell, the child has outgrown its seat.
- For class I (9 to 18 kg, approx. 9 months to approx. 4 years) the rear-facing child seat system is ideal for safety reasons. In the case of child seats that are mounted in the direction of travel, the child seat with an impactor (table) is the second best solution, although serious injuries to the abdomen must be expected in the event of an accident. With the five-point child seat facing the direction of travel, the shoulder straps hold the upper body firmly in the event of a collision, but this can place high loads on the cervical spine.
- In the case of class II / III (15 to 36 kg, approx. 4 years up to 150 cm), we strongly advise against using “simple booster seats”. "They do not offer the child any protection in the event of a side impact."
Child seat
class 0+
(up to 13 kg)
ECE-R 44/04
Child seat (booster seat)
Class II and III
(15 to 36 kg)
ECE-R 44/04
Child seat
class II and III
(15 to 36 kg)
ECE-R 44/04
Europe
In general, only child seats with the test standard ECE-R44 / 03 or ECE-R 44/04 may be used throughout Europe.
In countries in which this test standard applies, the restraint system must be designed in such a way that it reduces the risk of injury to the child in the event of a collision or if the vehicle decelerates significantly. In a frontal collision at 30 km / h, forces act on the body that correspond to 10 times the body weight, at 50 km / h 25 times the body weight. This makes it clear that a child cannot be held in an adult's lap; even impact with the backrest or headrest of the front seat would cause serious injury.
Child seats must be officially approved and suitable for the size and weight of the child. The official approval takes place according to the ECE regulation No. 44 or No. 129 on application by the manufacturer. According to ECE-R 44, the restraint systems must be designed in such a way that a dynamic frontal impact of 50 km / h with a barrier and a rear impact of 30 km / h have a maximum acceleration of 60 g for the seat belt load and the limit value of 1000 for the head load, determined according to the rule of the Head Injury Criterion , may not be exceeded. The regulation ECE-R 129 also requires a load test through side impact, in which the acceleration may not exceed 58 g .
To regulate the size (or age) up to which child safety is required with child seats according to the ECE standard, the countries have made different regulations:
| country | Size in cm |
Age | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Belgium |
|
135 | |
| Denmark |
|
135 | |
| France |
|
10 | |
| Netherlands |
|
135 | 18th |
| Austria |
|
135 | 14th |
| Poland |
|
150 | 12 |
| Portugal |
|
150 | 12 |
| Switzerland |
|
150 | 12 |
| Spain |
|
135 | |
| Czech Republic |
|
150 | |
| Turkey |
|
150 |
Switzerland
In Switzerland, since April 1, 2010, children under the age of 12 have had to sit in a child seat in the car if they are shorter than 1.50 meters. The child seat must meet the safety standards of version 03 of the corresponding UNO agreement (UN-ECE, No. 44). Until now, the limit was 7 years, with the result that children who were between 7 and 12 years old at the time had to use child seats again.
Lap belt
The use of an elevating child seat also makes sense on seats that are only equipped with a lap belt (e.g. the middle seat on the rear bench seat in cars before first registration in July 2004). Pay particular attention to a booster seat with lateral guidance, otherwise the lap belt can slide up in the event of an accident. However, according to Section 21 (1a) sentence 2 StVO, it is permissible to transport a child from the age of three without a child seat on such a seat only secured with a lap belt if there are other options for attaching a child seat (e.g. on the front passenger seat) are exhausted. However, this should be absolutely avoided.
Three child seats in the rear
Three child seats are generally not easy to install in vehicle funds: Often only the outer seats in the rear are equipped with Isofix anchor points for child seats. Even if the rear seat is wide enough, the shape of the rear seat with a thick hump in the middle or strongly pronounced backrests and seat belt buckles concealed in the upholstery often make it impossible to fit three child seats in the rear.
In March 2007, the magazine Auto Bild checked 152 cars with the result that three seats could be installed next to each other in only 21 cars; in 29 others three child seats barely fit on the back seat and were difficult to install. When choosing child seats, you must therefore take into account the seat belt equipment and space available. The Touring Club Switzerland regularly publishes an overview of whether common models are suitable for 3 child seats. It should be noted that, on some vehicles, three child seats can be fitted in the second row of seats, but this is not approved in the operating instructions (e.g. Opel Zafira Tourer , Mitsubishi ASX ).
See also
literature
-
German Road Safety Council : Buckled up ?! Children as passengers in the car . Bonn, 2009. (12 pages, available free of charge under Order No. 30.42)
- Child and traffic . Moderator manual . Bonn, 2nd edition 2009
- Children in traffic. An information brochure for parents of children up to six years of age. Bonn, 6th edition 2010
- unece.org: UN / ECE Regulation No. 129 (English)
Web links
- ADAC , adac.de Current child seat test (for vehicles, most recently: 2017)
- Accident Research of Insurers (UDV), udv.de: Children
References and comments
- ↑ See § 21 (3) StVO.
- ↑ See ECE-R 44, 2.1.2.
- ^ German Road Safety Council : Child and Traffic. Moderator manual. 2nd edition 2009, p. 46
- ↑ See ECE-R 44; 6.1.3.
- ↑ With child seats that are mounted on the back seat against the direction of travel, a baby seat mirror can be used to easily determine whether the child is doing well.
- ↑ See ECE-R 44; 6.1.4.
- ↑ See ECE-R 44; 6.1.4.
- ↑ Police headquarters Mannheim, youth traffic school Mannheim: Frequently asked questions about the child seat ( Memento of the original from January 5, 2008 in the Internet Archive ) Info: The archive link was inserted automatically and has not yet been checked. Please check the original and archive link according to the instructions and then remove this notice.
- ↑ Police headquarters Mannheim, youth traffic school Mannheim: comparison of baby seats ( memento of the original of July 22, 2010 in the Internet Archive ) Info: The archive link was automatically inserted and not yet checked. Please check the original and archive link according to the instructions and then remove this notice.
- ↑ A French manufacturer, for example, offers sizes from 40 to 70 cm with a weight limit of 24 kg (the test seal is UN Regulation No 129/00 ).
- ↑ unece.org R129e
- ↑ Directive 2014/37 / EU (PDF) of the Commission of February 27, 2014
- ↑ According to the dummy size used.
- ↑ ECE-R 129; 7.1.3.6.
- ↑ maxi-cosi.com ( Memento of the original from October 6, 2014 in the Internet Archive ) Info: The archive link was inserted automatically and has not yet been checked. Please check the original and archive link according to the instructions and then remove this notice. Child seat: 2way Family (accessed October 2, 2014)
- ↑ adac.de ( Memento of the original from December 4, 2014 in the Internet Archive ) Info: The archive link was inserted automatically and has not yet been checked. Please check the original and archive link according to the instructions and then remove this notice. Child seat test: Maxi Cosi 2way (accessed October 2, 2014)
- ↑ BeSafe Izi Flex Fix i-Size from HTS BeSafe . ( babyundjunior.de [accessed on October 21, 2018]).
- ↑ a b Source: ADAC country information (as of 2014)
- ↑ Storchenmühle.de ( Memento of the original of September 24, 2015 in the Internet Archive ) Info: The archive link was automatically inserted and not yet checked. Please check the original and archive link according to the instructions and then remove this notice. (accessed on September 26, 2014)
- ↑ Children younger than twelve years old but at least 150 cm tall can therefore be transported without a child seat, as can children older than twelve but smaller than 150 cm. In the latter case, however, the police still recommend the use of a child seat to ensure that the seat belt is properly positioned.
- ↑ Publication series Verkehrssicherheit 15 (Ed .: German Road Safety Council), 2011 (The safety belt)
- ↑ Federal Statistical Office: Child accidents in road traffic. 2013, p. 14.
- ↑ In 2001, 15,185 children were killed while in a car, 93 of them were killed. See Federal Statistical Office: Child accidents 2001.
- ↑ udv.de ( Memento of the original from September 5, 2014 in the Internet Archive ) Info: The archive link was inserted automatically and has not yet been checked. Please check the original and archive link according to the instructions and then remove this notice. Misuse Study (accessed September 26, 2014)
- ↑ udv.de ( Memento of the original from August 9, 2014 in the Internet Archive ) Info: The archive link was inserted automatically and has not yet been checked. Please check the original and archive link according to the instructions and then remove this notice. Secure children - the right way! (accessed on September 26, 2014)
- ↑ See Annex (to Section 1 (1)) Catalog of Fines (BKat), No. 99. [1]
- ↑ Child seat: can be taken in vehicles without a seat belt. In: juraforum.de. Retrieved August 29, 2019 .
- ↑ See Annex (to Section 1 Paragraph 1) Catalog of Fines (BKat), No. 203.1 and 203.2. See § 35a (8) StVZO.
- ↑ DVR: Buckled up ?! P. 2.
- ↑ DVR: Children in Road Traffic ., P. 27.
- ^ DVR: Child and Transport. P. 47.
- ↑ DVR: Buckled up ?! P. 7.
- ↑ DVR: Children in Road Traffic ., P. 29.
- ↑ DVR: Buckled up ?! P. 8.
- ↑ The booster seat as a child seat does not meet the side impact according to ECE-R 129 in particular.
- ^ German Road Safety Council : Child and Traffic. Moderator manual. 2nd edition 2009, p. 44.
- ↑ See ECE-R 44; 7.1.2.1., 8.5.
- ↑ See ECE-R 129; Annex 6 - Appendix 3, p. 76.
- ↑ Not in the front seat. Children over 150 cm must be secured in the back seat with the seat belt.
- ↑ Anita Bachmann: 12-year-olds have to use the child seat . In: The Bund . April 1, 2010, ISSN 0774-6156 ( derbund.ch [accessed November 27, 2017]).
- ↑ In adults, the pelvic bone is so pronounced that a "hump" on the pelvic bone prevents it from sliding upwards; in children, this hump on the pelvic bone is not yet pronounced.
- ↑ Birgit Meier: Practical test of child seats - That will be tight ; Auto-Bild 13/2007
- ↑ ADAC: How do I secure several children (e.g. as part of a car pool)?
- ↑ TCS: Archived copy ( memento of the original from July 9, 2013 in the Internet Archive ) Info: The archive link was inserted automatically and has not yet been checked. Please check the original and archive link according to the instructions and then remove this notice.
