Three Car Seats Fail ÖAMTC Test

ÖAMTC has once again tested car seats, with "ambivalent" results: Three models received a "not sufficient" rating after they "failed miserably in parts of the test," said ÖAMTC technician Steffan Kerbl on Tuesday. However, the results of five out of the total 16 products were "good" and another eight were "satisfactory." "These exceed the legal requirements in some cases significantly," said the expert. There was no "very good" rating this time either.

Recently, 19 car seats were tested in May, and now another 16 current models were evaluated in the categories of safety, handling, ergonomics, and pollutants. "The Britax Römer Kidfix Pro performed best, followed by the Axkid Up, both suitable for children from about four to twelve years," reported Kerbl. "Among the seats for children up to about one and a half years, the two models from Joei - the i-Level Pro and the i-Level Pro + i-Base Encore with a rotating ISOFIX base station - were convincing."

The experts noted negative results for the Chipolino Olympus i-Size and the Reecle 360 (ZA i-Size), both designed for up to about twelve years. In both models, the seat shells detached during the crash test and were thrown through the vehicle, posing a significant risk of injury. Due to the severity of the safety deficiencies, ÖAMTC had already pointed out the poor results in advance. "Additionally, the flame retardant TCPP, suspected of being carcinogenic, was detected in the Chipolino seat," explained Kerbl. The Maxi-Cosi Nomad Plus was also "not sufficient" because, according to the mobility club, it contains the pollutant PFOA in a concentration above the EU limit.

Car Seats: Correct Use Crucial for Safety

A car seat can be very good. "If it is installed or used incorrectly, the risk of injury remains high," warned Kerbl. He recommends: Tighten vehicle and harness straps firmly every time you buckle up. Pull jackets out from under the lap belt so that the belt is as close to the body as possible. Do not recline the front seat too far back - "survival space" is important to avoid head injuries. Regularly adjust straps, headrest, and backrest to the child's size. Switch to the next larger car seat only when the child has truly outgrown it.

(APA/Red)

This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.