Design Protections
EXTENDING THE RESTRAINT DESIGN PROTECTION ENVELOPE TO CHILDREN UP TO 14
UNICEF reported in 2001 that injury from motor vehicle accidents is the principal cause of child death in all developed nations accounting for almost 41 percent of deaths in the age group one to 14.
Most safety advocates argue that children reach a certain age
before they can safely use an adult seat belt. The age threshold
position is flawed even though it is recommended by state restraint
laws, the NTSB (National Transportation Safety Board), the
vehicle industry and the child safety industry. The proper method
by which to determine when a child can safely use an adult seat belt
is based on anthropometry. Based on the biomechanical research
conducted to date, a child should only use an adult 3-point belt if
they are 80 lbs., have a seated height of 29 inches and a standing
height of 4 foot 7 inches. These sizes are larger than almost 70% of
the children under age 14.
 | | | | Age and Associated Body Weight Required to Reach Threshold Seated Height to Use 3-point Belts |
|
5th Percentile
Boy or Girl
| |
5th Percentile
Boy or Girl
| |
5th Percentile
Boy or Girl
| 13.5 - 14.5
81 lbs.
| 10.5 - 11.5
78 lbs.
| 8.5 - 9.5
89 lbs.
|
| |
| 
