Last week, Consumer Reports published an evaluation of infant car seats in which most seats failed at impact speeds of 35-38 mph, which is faster than government car seat tests but the same speed as government car safety tests. In some cases, the seat failures were dramatic, with some seats completely dislodging from the base and flying across the car. As we reported, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) was looking into the report.
The NHTSA has notified Consumer Reports this week that the tests done appear to have been conducted improperly, simulating crashes at much higher speeds, which is why the seats failed so dramatically. In fact, according to the NHTSA, the tests were done at more than 70 mph. Consumer Reports has withdrawn the report pending further review and study.
When the NHTSA tested infant car seats at 38.5 mph, the test Consumer Reports intended to perform, the seats all stayed in their bases. The NHTSA has even posted video of the tests on their website (see link below).
Parents should continue to remember that any car seat is safer than no car seat, and infants and toddlers should always be restrained in a properly fitted and installed car seat. Manufacturers’ instructions should be carefully followed. If there is any doubt, a car seat inspection station can help you be sure that the seat is installed properly.
