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Child Restraint Use Study
Child Restraint Use Study
A crash test machine that tests car seats

Small Passengers, Big Risk?

Small Passengers, Big Risk?

Small Passengers,
Big Risk?

New Study Sponsored by CYBEX shows: 81% of car seats observed were either used or installed incorrectly

 

Being a new parent is hard -- and car seat safety can feel like one more overwhelming task. From choosing the right seat to making sure it’s installed properly, there’s a lot to navigate. That’s why CYBEX is on a mission to make car seat safety easier to understand, reduce misuse, and ultimately help bring the number of injuries and fatalities in crashes involving young children down to zero.

New Study Sponsored by CYBEX shows: 81% of car seats observed were either used or installed incorrectly

 

Being a new parent is hard -- and car seat safety can feel like one more overwhelming task. From choosing the right seat to making sure it’s installed properly, there’s a lot to navigate. That’s why CYBEX is on a mission to make car seat safety easier to understand, reduce misuse, and ultimately help bring the number of injuries and fatalities in crashes involving young children down to zero.

New Study Sponsored by CYBEX shows: 81% of car seats observed were either used or installed incorrectly

 

Being a new parent is hard -- and car seat safety can feel like one more overwhelming task. From choosing the right seat to making sure it’s installed properly, there’s a lot to navigate. That’s why CYBEX is on a mission to make car seat safety easier to understand, reduce misuse, and ultimately help bring the number of injuries and fatalities in crashes involving young children down to zero.

According to a new Canadian study commissioned by CYBEX and conducted in collaboration with Dalhousie University, the Child Passenger Safety Association of Canada (CPSAC) and IWK Child Safety Link, 81% of car seats observed were either used or installed incorrectly—  a significant increase compared to a similar 2011 study* (55%). This highlights the urgent need for better education, awareness, and support for families.

According to a new Canadian study commissioned by CYBEX and conducted in collaboration with Dalhousie University, the Child Passenger Safety Association of Canada (CPSAC) and IWK Child Safety Link, 81% of car seats observed were either used or installed incorrectly—  a significant increase compared to a similar 2011 study* (55%). This highlights the urgent need for better education, awareness, and support for families.

According to a new Canadian study commissioned by CYBEX and conducted in collaboration with Dalhousie University, the Child Passenger Safety Association of Canada (CPSAC) and IWK Child Safety Link, 81% of car seats observed were either used or installed incorrectly—  a significant increase compared to a similar 2011 study* (55%). This highlights the urgent need for better education, awareness, and support for families.

A study that reads "73% of parents let their children ride forward-facing before the age of 2."
CYBEX car seat with airbag

Using the right car seat—and installing it correctly—can reduce a child’s risk of death by up to 75% and serious injury by nearly 70%**. Proper restraint isn’t just important—it can be lifesaving: Transport Canada reported 50 fatalities between the ages of 0-14 in 2023 due to motor vehicle collisions***.

Using the right car seat—and installing it correctly—can reduce a child’s risk of death by up to 75% and serious injury by nearly 70%**. Proper restraint isn’t just important—it can be lifesaving: Transport Canada reported 50 fatalities between the ages of 0-14 in 2023 due to motor vehicle collisions***.

Using the right car seat—and installing it correctly—can reduce a child’s risk of death by up to 75% and serious injury by nearly 70%**. Proper restraint isn’t just important—it can be lifesaving: Transport Canada reported 50 fatalities between the ages of 0-14 in 2023 due to motor vehicle collisions***.

CYBEX Sirona T i-Size in Base T

From Katherine Hutka, President of the Child Passenger Safety Association of Canada, “In this study, 81% of child restraints were found to have at least one misuse error. Some children were not using the correct stage of seat or were using an unsafe seat,  but the majority of errors found included a loose or misused harness or a poor installation. These statistics represent real, preventable risks that leave children vulnerable in the event of a collision. It's not enough to buckle up—we have to buckle up right.”

From Katherine Hutka, President of the Child Passenger Safety Association of Canada, “In this study, 81% of child restraints were found to have at least one misuse error. Some children were not using the correct stage of seat or were using an unsafe seat,  but the majority of errors found included a loose or misused harness or a poor installation. These statistics represent real, preventable risks that leave children vulnerable in the event of a collision. It's not enough to buckle up—we have to buckle up right.”

From Katherine Hutka, President of the Child Passenger Safety Association of Canada, “In this study, 81% of child restraints were found to have at least one misuse error. Some children were not using the correct stage of seat or were using an unsafe seat,  but the majority of errors found included a loose or misused harness or a poor installation. These statistics represent real, preventable risks that leave children vulnerable in the event of a collision. It's not enough to buckle up—we have to buckle up right.”

A study that reads "Reasons for forward-facing travel, eye contact during the trip 58%, to ensure more legroom 43%, to prevent children from throwing tantrums 25%, to minimize motion sickness 20%, lack of space in the car 13%, no information provided 9%, other 5%"

Top car seat errors vary by seat type, but all can significantly compromise safety in the event of a crash.

 

 

♦ For rear-facing seats, the most common issue is loose harness (33%), followed by loose installation (27%).

 

♦ In forward-facing seats, 44% of children’s harnesses were too loose, and 34% of users weren’t using the tether at all.

 

♦ For booster seats, key errors include incorrect routing of the seat belt (44%) which contributed to poor lap belt fit (19%), poor shoulder belt fit (27%) and a twisted seat belt (23%).

Top car seat errors vary by seat type, but all can significantly compromise safety in the event of a crash.

 

 

♦ For rear-facing seats, the most common issue is loose harness (33%), followed by loose installation (27%).

 

♦ In forward-facing seats, 44% of children’s harnesses were too loose, and 34% of users weren’t using the tether at all.

 

♦ For booster seats, key errors include incorrect routing of the seat belt (44%) which contributed to poor lap belt fit (19%), poor shoulder belt fit (27%) and a twisted seat belt (23%).

Top car seat errors vary by seat type, but all can significantly compromise safety in the event of a crash.

 

 

♦ For rear-facing seats, the most common issue is loose harness (33%), followed by loose installation (27%).

 

♦ In forward-facing seats, 44% of children’s harnesses were too loose, and 34% of users weren’t using the tether at all.

 

♦ For booster seats, key errors include incorrect routing of the seat belt (44%) which contributed to poor lap belt fit (19%), poor shoulder belt fit (27%) and a twisted seat belt (23%).

 

 

Knowledge Keeps Them Safe

 

We’re here to help you spot and fix the most common car seat installation mistakes in seconds. 

Knowledge Keeps Them Safe

 

We’re here to help you spot and fix the most common car seat installation mistakes in seconds. 

Knowledge Keeps Them Safe

 

We’re here to help you spot and fix the most common car seat installation mistakes in seconds. 

1. Loose Install.

Test seat at belt path to ensure less than 1 inch of movement.

1. Loose Install.

Test seat at belt path to ensure less than 1 inch of movement.

1. Loose Install.

Test seat at belt path to ensure less than 1 inch of movement.

2. Loose Harness.
   
Ensure there is no extra harness you can pinch at child’s shoulders.

2. Loose Harness.
   
Ensure there is no extra harness you can pinch at child’s shoulders.

2. Loose Harness.
   
Ensure there is no extra harness you can pinch at child’s shoulders.

3. Not using Tether.

Proper use can reduce forward head movement in a crash by 4-6 inches for forward-facing seats.

3. Not using Tether.

Proper use can reduce forward head movement in a crash by 4-6 inches for forward-facing seats.

3. Not using Tether.

Proper use can reduce forward head movement in a crash by 4-6 inches for forward-facing seats.

Car Seat Installation With Our Experts

 

Unlock peace of mind with our Installation Experts! Book a free and personalized 30-minute video call with our one of our certified Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST).
Learn more about CPST here.

 

Car Seat Installation With Our Experts

 

Unlock peace of mind with our Installation Experts! Book a free and personalized 30-minute video call with our one of our certified Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST).
Learn more about CPST here.

 

Car Seat Installation With Our Experts

 

Unlock peace of mind with our Installation Experts! Book a free and personalized 30-minute video call with our one of our certified Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST).
Learn more about CPST here.

 

A crash test dummy with an inflated airbag in front of its body.

“Car seat safety really starts with how it’s installed and it’s crucial to get installation right. At CYBEX , we take that seriously,” says Jon McGuire, Vice President for Product Management at CYBEX North America. “We want every parent to feel confident that their child’s seat is installed safely and correctly, every time. That’s why we designed the Callisto G 360 to tackle the most common mistakes—like loose installation or forgetting the top tether. Our SafeLock™ Installation System makes it easy to get a secure fit in seconds, and the 1-Time Tether is already in place when it’s time to switch to forward-facing. It’s simple, quick, and repeatable—and it makes the Callisto G 360 up to 37% safer in a crash. That’s peace of mind every parent deserves.” 

Further Information at: https://www.cybex-online.com/en/ca/gold-callisto-g-360.html

“Car seat safety really starts with how it’s installed and it’s crucial to get installation right. At CYBEX, we take that seriously,” says Jon McGuire, Vice President for Product Management at CYBEX North America. “We want every parent to feel confident that their child’s seat is installed safely and correctly, every time. That’s why we designed the Callisto G 360 to tackle the most common mistakes—like loose installation or forgetting the top tether. Our SafeLock™ Installation System makes it easy to get a secure fit in seconds, and the 1-Time Tether is already in place when it’s time to switch to forward-facing. It’s simple, quick, and repeatable—and it makes the Callisto G 360 up to 37% safer in a crash. That’s peace of mind every parent deserves.” 

Further Information at: https://www.cybex-online.com/en/ca/gold-callisto-g-360.html

“Car seat safety really starts with how it’s installed and it’s crucial to get installation right. At CYBEX, we take that seriously,” says Jon McGuire, Vice President for Product Management at CYBEX North America. “We want every parent to feel confident that their child’s seat is installed safely and correctly, every time. That’s why we designed the Callisto G 360 to tackle the most common mistakes—like loose installation or forgetting the top tether. Our SafeLock™ Installation System makes it easy to get a secure fit in seconds, and the 1-Time Tether is already in place when it’s time to switch to forward-facing. It’s simple, quick, and repeatable—and it makes the Callisto G 360 up to 37% safer in a crash. That’s peace of mind every parent deserves.” 

 

Further Information at: https://www.cybex-online.com/en/ca/gold-callisto-g-360.html

About the study: 

With sponsorship and support from CYBEX Canada, a research study was conducted by Dalhousie University and IWK Child Safety Link to determine how children are restrained in passenger vehicles. CPSAC trained Child Passenger Safety Technicians conducted roadside observational checks with drivers transporting children aged 0–14 years old in Nova Scotia.

This study assessed the real-world child restraint use and misuse of car seats and booster seats using a validated child restraint check form and a brief driver questionnaire. A total of 1005 child passengers in 682 vehicles were assessed at 41 check events in 33 different rural and urban locations from May to November 2024.
 

 

About CYBEX: 

 

Founded by Martin Pos in 2005, CYBEX develops a diverse range of products, including car seats, strollers, interiors, baby carriers, and accessories , aimed at providing modern families with safer and more comfortable solutions for their lifestyle. All products created by the German company fully adhere to the CYBEX D.S.F. Innovation Principle, representing a unique combination of distinctive design, highest standards, and smart functionality—fundamentals for everyday life “for all tomorrow’s people.”

About the study: 

With sponsorship and support from CYBEX Canada, a research study was conducted by Dalhousie University and IWK Child Safety Link to determine how children are restrained in passenger vehicles. CPSAC trained Child Passenger Safety Technicians conducted roadside observational checks with drivers transporting children aged 0–14 years old in Nova Scotia.

This study assessed the real-world child restraint use and misuse of car seats and booster seats using a validated child restraint check form and a brief driver questionnaire. A total of 1005 child passengers in 682 vehicles were assessed at 41 check events in 33 different rural and urban locations from May to November 2024.
 

 

About CYBEX: 

 

Founded by Martin Pos in 2005, CYBEX develops a diverse range of products, including car seats, strollers, interiors, baby carriers, and accessories , aimed at providing modern families with safer and more comfortable solutions for their lifestyle. All products created by the German company fully adhere to the CYBEX D.S.F. Innovation Principle, representing a unique combination of distinctive design, highest standards, and smart functionality—fundamentals for everyday life “for all tomorrow’s people.”

About the study: 

With sponsorship and support from CYBEX Canada, a research study was conducted by Dalhousie University and IWK Child Safety Link to determine how children are restrained in passenger vehicles. CPSAC trained Child Passenger Safety Technicians conducted roadside observational checks with drivers transporting children aged 0–14 years old in Nova Scotia.

This study assessed the real-world child restraint use and misuse of car seats and booster seats using a validated child restraint check form and a brief driver questionnaire. A total of 1005 child passengers in 682 vehicles were assessed at 41 check events in 33 different rural and urban locations from May to November 2024.
 

 

About CYBEX: 

 

Founded by Martin Pos in 2005, CYBEX develops a diverse range of products, including car seats, strollers, interiors, baby carriers, and accessories , aimed at providing modern families with safer and more comfortable solutions for their lifestyle. All products created by the German company fully adhere to the CYBEX D.S.F. Innovation Principle, representing a unique combination of distinctive design, highest standards, and smart functionality—fundamentals for everyday life “for all tomorrow’s people.”

T*Bruce, B., Cramm, C., Mundle, K., Williams, D., and Conrad, A. (2015). Roadside Observation of Child Passenger Restraint Use. Advances in Pediatric Research, 2 (24), 1–6.

**Source: https://childsafetylink.ca/car-seat-safety

***Source: https://tc.canada.ca/en/road-transportation/statistics-data/canadian-motor-vehicle-traffic-collision-statistics/2023/canadian-motor-vehicle-traffic-collision-statistics-2023

T*Bruce, B., Cramm, C., Mundle, K., Williams, D., and Conrad, A. (2015). Roadside Observation of Child Passenger Restraint Use. Advances in Pediatric Research, 2 (24), 1–6.

**Source: https://childsafetylink.ca/car-seat-safety

***Source: https://tc.canada.ca/en/road-transportation/statistics-data/canadian-motor-vehicle-traffic-collision-statistics/2023/canadian-motor-vehicle-traffic-collision-statistics-2023

T*Bruce, B., Cramm, C., Mundle, K., Williams, D., and Conrad, A. (2015). Roadside Observation of Child Passenger Restraint Use. Advances in Pediatric Research, 2 (24), 1–6.

**Source: https://childsafetylink.ca/car-seat-safety

***Source: https://tc.canada.ca/en/road-transportation/statistics-data/canadian-motor-vehicle-traffic-collision-statistics/2023/canadian-motor-vehicle-traffic-collision-statistics-2023

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Roadside Study
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