The Importance of Keeping your Child in a 5-point Harness
The YouTube video shown here raises many questions about the safety of booster seats and proper car seat installation. Parents everywhere should take note of this, and reflect on how their own approach toward car seat safety affects the lives of their children. Being a CPS Technician myself, I find it encouraging that this type of information has lately become more public. Both personally and professionally, I sincerely hope that this video and its message reach out to, inform, and influence parents everywhere. |
Please keep in mind that a seat belt failing to engage during a collision is EXTREMELY rare. However, total security is a matter of addressing every potential hazard with reliable fail-safes. If one thing goes wrong, something else should be in place to compensate for that failure. Had Kyle been in a 5-point harness seat installed using the vehicles safety belt or LATCH** tethers, he probably would not have been ejected from the car, and may still be with us today.
As a conscientious company that deals directly with the safe transportation of children, we urge parents to keep their children in car seats with a 5-point harness for as long as possible. A 5-point harness is an undeniably safer option than a booster seat that uses a lap and shoulder belt restraint. While some parents - let alone kids - do not like the idea of a five or six-year-old still using a "baby seat", a 5-point harness is absolutely the safest way to transport a child that is 80lbs. or less in an automobile.
Thanks to this video and increased public awareness of the issues involved, there is a growing movement amongst parents to keep their kids in a 5-point harness for longer. Visit CPSafety.com to see a photo album of big kids who ride in safe car seats.
We have singled out certain car seat models below that have a 5-point harness and higher than average weight capacities. Please take the time to compare them and weigh the benefits of owning one.
**I want to remind everyone that LATCH tethers have a limited weight capacity. A child more than 48lbs. is safest in an appropriate child restraint system secured with the safety belt, or as directed by the vehicle and car seat manufacturer. There are certain model car seats that allow you to "double up" and use BOTH the lap/shoulder belt restraint and a LATCH system to secure the car seat. While not necessary, the option is available.
