Are convertible vehicles safe?

[kile529]

I'm looking at a new vehicle....and some of the choices have come in convertible. Is it safe to have kids in them? I've always wondered if kids could "fly" out of the vehicle easier if they are in a convertible rather than a hard top....

Anyone with info on this?

Thanks!

[CPSDarren]

If the vehicle has good crash test and crash avoidance ratings, it should be fine. The most important thing is to keep the kids properly restrained.

The main disadvantage of a convertible is the lack of side curtain airbags for head protection in some models. Not so much a factor for small kids, but very important for older kids and adults.

If you happen to be buying a BMW 335i, perhaps you could send an extra my way? Not the greatest side impact crash test result, but I might forgive that for the other aspects;-)

[lovinwaves]

Another thing to consider with Convertibles is that they might not possess Top tethers. They may have lower anchors, but not a top tether. Alot of the convertibles today are hard top convertibles, so therefore I think they are just as safe as other cars when the top is up.

Many of them have the roll-over protection built right into the headrests. This may cause a problem for carseat installation, because many carseats may need the headrest to be removed to be installed correctly. The problem is that if the roll-over protection is built into the headrest they cannot be removed.

Before you purchase one I would be sure and take your carseats with you to make sure they fit. The back of them should be flush with the seat. If this is an occasional riding car for your little ones another seat may be an option.

Be sure and check out their safety ratings. Many of the convertibles are just like their sister models (non convertible), so you will find many of them are safe.

Check out the VW Eos, and BMW 3 series..particularly the 335I (my personal fav :))

[southpawboston]

i think the volvo and saab convertibles both got top ratings in side-impact tests among convertibles.

[Jeanum]

This thread has links to the IIHS convertible crash testing mentioned by the previous poster: http://www.car-seat.org/showthread.php?t=17400 :)

[southpawboston]

thanks for jogging my memory jeanum :). yep, i remembered correctly, it's those two swedes that picked up top honors :)

[lovinwaves]

I can't wait to take the EOS for a test drive. I am very interested to see if it has Top tethers. The website makes it look like it does. I told Dh he will not be getting it if it doesn't have top tethers... He understood :) *keeping my fingers crossed*

[UlrikeDG]

You can also go to the IIHS website to view the results (http://www.iihs.org/ratings/summary.aspx?class=100) "side-by-side". Click on the "Front", "Side", or "Rear" links next to each vehicle to view the detailed results.

[Jeanum]

I can't wait to take the EOS for a test drive. I am very interested to see if it has Top tethers. The website makes it look like it does. I told Dh he will not be getting it if it doesn't have top tethers... He understood :) *keeping my fingers crossed*

I checked the '07 LATCH manual to see for you but the '08 Eos isn't listed (maybe too new of a model to have been included in the manual?), so I'm not much help. Fingers crossed it has top tether anchors. :)

[groovymom2000]

I know that my DH's BMW has top tethers. His back seat had deep bucket seats, so definitely take the car seats with you to try! It is an absolute blast to drive, though---we all just sit there grinning! :D

[lovinwaves]

I know that my DH's BMW has top tethers. His back seat had deep bucket seats, so definitely take the car seats with you to try! It is an absolute blast to drive, though---we all just sit there grinning! :D

Oh, wow cool!! Ok, well that puts the BMW 335I back on DH's carlist :)