Parents of children with disabilities and medical conditions can now access independent safety information about specialised car seats following a world-first crash-testing program.
Mobility and Accessibility for Children in Australia Ltd (MACA) has completed 54 sled-crash tests on 15 different car seats as part of its ground-breaking Australian Safety Assessment Program (AuSAP).
The findings have been used to launch a national register of special purpose car seats, where for the first time, families and the allied health professionals who support them can find independent safety information about each product.
The car seats are imported, and all meet overseas standards, but AuSAP tested them against selected criteria from Australia’s more rigorous standard, the same standard that ‘off the shelf’ car seats must comply with here.
Of the 15 special purpose car seats that were crash tested, eight have been published on MACA’s national product register. A number of products are undergoing further investigation and/or testing, while some have been withdrawn from the Australian market.
MACA chief executive Helen Lindner said there was an undeniable need for special purpose car seats in the market, but it was critical to have more independent information about their performance.
“Until now there has been no independent evaluation program in Australia, or globally, for special purpose car seats used by children with disabilities and medical conditions, leaving so many families facing a concerning lack of information,” she said.
“Children with disabilities are particularly vulnerable car passengers and this important work will help ensure no child is left behind when it comes to road safety.”
The findings will also help to improve product design and increase the range of products sold in Australia.
To learn more about AuSAP and access the national product register visit: macahub.org
Photo: Sandy and her 14-month-old son Ashton. His Australian standard car seat was not meeting his needs when travelling in the car. Ashton’s occupational therapist assessed his needs and prescribed a special purpose car seat.