When you buy a car, you expect it to be safe. You expect the seats in your car to protect you in the event of an accident. But what do manufacturers do to make sure that’s the case? They test the seats at a certain speed, of course! In this blog post, we will explore the safety implications of testing car seats at different speeds and how you can take action to support safer vehicles. From speaking out to demanding higher safety standards from your manufacturer, read on to learn more about what you can do to protect yourself and your family when buying a new car.
How car seats are tested
Testing for car seats is often done at a range of speeds, but the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) only specifies a test speed of 50 mph. Manufacturers may choose to do tests at other speeds, depending on the type of car seat being tested and the testing equipment available. Some car seats are also tested in impact conditions, such as hitting a concrete floor or wall.
In order to be approved for sale in the U.S., all car seats must be tested and meet FMVSS requirements. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) conducts crash tests on new cars, and manufacturers then submit their car seats for approval. After being approved by NHTSA, car seats undergo further testing by an independent laboratory.
The types of tests car seats are subjected to
Car seats are subjected to a variety of tests in order to ensure their safety and compliance with safety standards. Some of the most common tests are those that measure how well the car seat protects children in a crash, how comfortable it is for them, and how easy it is to install.
Speed limits and car seats
The Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 213 sets the minimum speed limits for children in car seats. The limit is 55 mph in rural areas and 65 mph in urban areas. In addition, there are limits on the amount of time a child can be unrestrained in a car seat. The child must not be restrained for more than 30 minutes at a time.
Conclusion
When it comes to car seats, most manufacturers recommend that they be tested at a speed of 5 mph or less. This is because the forces on a child’s body during a crash are much greater at higher speeds. By testing car seats at this lower speed, manufacturers can ensure that the seat will protect your child in a crash and reduce the chance of injuries.