The Value of Lower Anchors and Tethers
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In the 1990’s, US government studies showed that most car seats were being installed incorrectly, even as car seat use was increasing.
In response, vehicles and all car seats were required to include LATCH by September 2001.
Studies have shown many benefits of LATCH use, from easier installations to improved CR (child restraint) safety with reduced head excursion and neck loads. (IIHS 2010 Observed Use of Tethers in FF CRS, Jermakian, Wells)
NHTSA, SafeKids, AAP and other safety experts agree there are benefits to a child riding in a 5 pt harness to higher weight limits than the traditional 40 lb limit.
There are now more than 30 CRs on the market offering a 5-pt harness for children over 50 lbs, yet only one CR is rated for LATCH installations over 50 lbs; The Radian R-Series. DIONO makes installation easier for parents.
Important CPS Tool: The LATCH Manual. Order it online: www.saferidenews.com
Comments
We know the issue of LATCH anchor limits can be confusing. This is why we created SuperLATCH. As long as the vehicle was manufactured after September 2005, we have taken the confusion out of the equation. LATCH anchors were required to be stronger after September 2005. Our seats are manufactured with a steel frame and SuperLATCH which enables the Radian to still meet FMVSS213 even at higher speeds and with lower anchor installation. We fully stand behind our crash testing results even if the vehicle manual states otherwise. If child restraint manufacturers are going to provide a higher weight harness, we should also provide a LATCH system that can tolerate crash loads on the entire system. This is just one reason why the Radian is in high demand. You can view all our crash test results in the Safety Built In section at Diono.com. If you would like further information, please contact us at techtalk@diono.com.
Denise,
LATCH can be used to the full capacity of the seat when in booster mode. In booster mode the LATCH connectors are only used to secure the seat in the vehicle when the booster is not occupied. The vehicle seat belt is what restrains the child in the event of an impact.
... But the common rule is to default to what the LATCH manual says is the upper limit, and in most cars the LATCH limit is 40 lbs, meaning that even though your "Super-Latch" says it can hold up to 80 lbs, CPST's have to recommend that the latch no longer be used and a seat belt be used instead. I don't understand why you all continue to push this "Super-LATCH" when we HAVE to default to the car's standards.