News & Updates
DOT Issues New School Bus Regulations
The US Department of Transportation recently announced new federal regulations requiring higher seat backs in school buses. The new rule calls for 24-inch seat backs, compared to the previous 20-inch seats. For more information, click here.
AAP Issues Updated Policy Statement
The American Academy of Pediatric updated policy statement provides 5 basic evidence based best-practice recommendations (5 steps) to optimize safety in the car for children from birth through adolescence.
- Infant-only or convertible CSS used rear-facing
All infants and toddlers should ride in a rear-facing car safety seat (CSS) until they are 2 yrs of age or until they reach the highest weight or height allowed by the manufacturer of their CSS. - Convertible or combination CSS used forward-facing
All children 2 yrs or older, or those younger than 2, who have outgrown the RF weight or height limit for their CSS, should use a forward-facing CSS with a harness for as long as possible. - Belt-positioning booster seat
All children whose weight or height is above the forward-facing limit for their CSS should use a belt-positioning booster seat until the vehicle lap-and-shoulder belt fits properly, typically when they have reached 4 feet 9 inches in height and are between 8 and 12 years of age. - Lap-and-shoulder vehicle seat belt
When children are old enough and large enough to use the vehicle seat belt alone, they should always use lap-and-shoulder belts for optimal protection. - All children younger than 13 years should be restrained in the rear seats of vehicles for optimal protection.
Click here to download the policy statement.
Learn more by reading the Technical Report on Child Passenger Safety by the Committee on Injury Poison & Violence Prevention.
Download the newly revised 4-steps to CPS handout from NHTSA in English or Spanish by clicking the language choice.
Seat belt Use Rates are up Across the Nation
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) latest report shows that more Americans are buckling up. A survey conducted during daylight hours showed that the seat belt use rate increase by one percent to 83%. NHTSA estimates that approximately 270 lives are saved for every one percent increase in belt use. The report finds that safety belt use increased or remained level in every region of the country, with the highest use being reported in the West (93 percent). To view the whole report, click here.
Training Materials
Student Manual
To assure you are up to date on the latest changes you can purchase a copy of the 2010 Student Manual for the National Child Passenger Safety Certification Training Program for only $35*.
*For bulk orders, expedited shipping costs or delivery outside the continental U.S. (Alaska, Hawaii, US Territories and international shipping) , call (425) 828-8975 or e-mail us at office@800BUCKLUP.org.
Child Car Seat Recalls, Defects and Safety Notices
Subscribers automatically receive an updated list whenever a new recall is announced. This is a valuable resource for advocates, children’s resale shops, instructors/technicians, educators and agencies, and a must for car seat checkup/inspection clinics. A personal one-year subscription costs only $20. If you are in Washington State contact the Safety Restraint Coalition prior to filling out this order form for important information. If you are interested in a subscription for a group contact the Safety Restraint Coalition to discuss group rates.
