Consumer Reports: I can do better than that!

UlrikeDG · Mar 31, 2007

I meant to post this a couple of weeks ago, but well, life happened.

So...

Many techs have been criticizing CR for their methodology and lack of transparency in child restraint ratings for years now. Here's your chance to play Monday morning quarterback or backseat driver. If you were given an unlimited budget, and access to any experts you choose and existing testing facilities, how would you go about rating child safety seats?

Victorious4 · Mar 31, 2007

Ooooh, good question!

I'd have at least 1000 random people off the street attempt to install random carseats in random vehicles given nothing but the manuals + I'd have quality people who actually know their stuff test the seats to every crash standard that exists

I'd also have at least 100 random kids sit in as many seats as they could stand (appropriate for their age & size of course) to choose their most comfy options

Wait, I think there was something else I'd thought of before, but now I forget

arly1983 · Mar 31, 2007

:cool!:

papooses said:
Ooooh, good question!

I'd have at least 1000 random people off the street attempt to install random carseats in random vehicles given nothing but the manuals + I'd have quality people who actually know their stuff test the seats to every crash standard that exists I'd also have at least 100 random kids sit in as many seats as they could stand (appropriate for their age & size of course) to choose their most comfy options Wait, I think there was something else I'd thought of before, but now I forget

:cool!:

skaterbabs · Mar 31, 2007

I'd (to add on to what Tiffany said) GRADE the seats, not just this pass/faill bull that is done currently. A, B, C, D, F. A or B is acceptible - but C or below needs work, and of course F means it doesn't pass at all.

And have grades for all types, so seat 1 gets a B in ease of use, B in compatibility, an A in front impact, a B in rear and a c in side but an F in rollovers, vs seat 2 that gets an A in ease of use, B in compatibility, a B in front, B in rear, A in side and B in rollovers. KWIM?

Dillipop · Mar 31, 2007

I would survey users of the seats that have had them for a while on ease of use after awhile. You know how some seats have problems that pop up after time, like an adjuster strap that is ok and then just sticks? Get some real world experience from owners for everyday ease of use. I would also take cost of the seat out of the equation.

abacus2 · Apr 1, 2007

I wouldn't take cost out of the equation, but I would evaluate the length of time the restraint fits children when evaluating its value.

emandbri · Apr 2, 2007

I would try real kids in seats to see how they fit, if a convertible has harness slots so low that 80% of 3 year olds are too tall for it it should be downgraded! Hello!

Victorious4 · Apr 2, 2007

I had a difficult time at Lifesavers believing manufacturers who claimed their seats fit 80-90% of the population of kids up to 4 years old....

Consumer Reports: I can do better than that!

UlrikeDG

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