Antique Car and Booster Child.

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crstcrzy

New member

• Aug 1, 2011

• #1

A friend of mines mom drives an antique muscle car. Child in question is 5 years old and 54 lbs. She is full time boostered.
Muscle car has Lap Belt only. She does not have, nor is she willing to get a 5pt harness for child, given that they are moving to Utah in 3 weeks. In the mean time, what is the safest option for child to be transported in said muscle car (this is their primary means of transportation).
Advice?

 

christineka

New member

• Aug 1, 2011

• #2

Get an 86y universal harness to use with the booster. Or buy a ride safer travel vest. Both require a top tether, I believe. Does the front seat have a shoulder belt? If so, then just move the booster up front. (Not the safest option.)

 

Baylor

New member

• Aug 1, 2011

• #3

Why won't she get a harness for that child? That makes no sense to me. How people sacrifice safety for a few dollars.

 

Judi

CPST/Firefighter

• Aug 1, 2011

• #4

The new booster with the shield. I doubt she will want to drill into the old car for a tether anchor.

 

LISmama810

Admin - CPS Technician

• Aug 1, 2011

• #5

Judi said:

The new booster with the shield. I doubt she will want to drill into the old car for a tether anchor.

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Doesn't that still have the 40-lb limit on it, though?

 

christineka

New member

• Aug 1, 2011

• #6

LISmama810 said:

Doesn't that still have the 40-lb limit on it, though?

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For now and the seat isn't even out yet, so doesn't work for an immediate solution anyway.

 

carseatcoach

Carseat Crankypants

• Aug 1, 2011

• #7

Why does moving to Utah mean the child can't ride in a harnessed seat?

 

mlohry

New member

• Aug 1, 2011

• #8

We have the 86 Y harnesses for our classic car, works great. Our boys are 6 and 8.

 

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Emi's Mommy

New member

• Aug 1, 2011

• #9

carseatcoach said:

Why does moving to Utah mean the child can't ride in a harnessed seat?

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My guess is that like the OP, the friend is in Canada and doesn't want to buy a Canadian seat only to use it a few weeks.

 

carseatcoach

Carseat Crankypants

• Aug 1, 2011

• #10

Oh. Sometimes I'm not so bright. Sorry.

Can she *get* an American seat now? I'm generally against importing and rule-breaking, but I'd not throw a hissy fit over her using an American seat for three weeks.

 

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crstcrzy

New member

• Aug 1, 2011

• #11

We are in Canada (NS to be exact). I don't have a seat that I can lend her for the time being, nor does the vehicle have a top tether (or able to be fitted with one and keep its "original condition" title.) The front seats are Lap Belts only as well. Is there a safe (or "safer") option for the next 2-3 weeks before they move?

 

LISmama810

Admin - CPS Technician

• Aug 1, 2011

• #12

If there are only lap belts and she can't harness, she needs to decide if the risks of boostering with a lap belt exceed the risks of not boostering with a lap belt. People are sort of torn on the issue and I'm not sure there's a definitive answer.

 

LISmama810

Admin - CPS Technician

• Aug 1, 2011

• #13

Are there also no headrests?

 

Judi

CPST/Firefighter

• Aug 1, 2011

• #14

If she can't borrow a seat, I don't see a good solution.

 

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crstcrzy

New member

• Aug 1, 2011

• #15

There is no head rest, and with the booster, child's head is just about too high (seat back is right about the middle of her ear). Unfortionately, I don't see any "win" situation here

 

Judi

CPST/Firefighter

• Aug 1, 2011

• #16

I would go boosterless and help her make a game plan for after the move.

 

monica-m

CPST Instructor

• Aug 1, 2011

• #17

Baylor said:

Why won't she get a harness for that child? That makes no sense to me. How people sacrifice safety for a few dollars.

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Being judgmental does not help the OP find a solution to recommend.


I agree with Judi, boosterless for now (and pray she doesn't get in an accident) and then help her find a solution that will work for after they move and the top tether is no longer required by law.

 

hrice

New member

• Aug 1, 2011

• #18

Judi said:

I would go boosterless and help her make a game plan for after the move.

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I agree with this. I'd add to have the child in the center of the back seat if possible. Obviously this situation is far from ideal but I think this is "best" of she won't purchase a harnessed seat.

It's very hard to wrap our minds around these situations and very easy to judge and get angry. But judging and getting angry will get us nowhere. All we can do is offer the best advice given each individual situation and hope for the best.

 

Chely7425

New member

• Aug 1, 2011

• #19

hrice said:

It's very hard to wrap our minds around these situations and very easy to judge and get angry. But judging and getting angry will get us nowhere. All we can do is offer the best advice given each individual situation and hope for the best.

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Yes, this ^^ Very well put.

 

Pixels

New member

• Aug 1, 2011

• #20

CHOP says no booster in a lap-only belt. So does the CPST curriculum. With a booster, you dramatically increase the risk of head injury. Without a booster, you increase the risk of seatbelt syndrome, which includes bleeding out from abdominal organ injury or paralysis from lower spine injury. Bleeding out takes time, while spinal and head injuries are instantaneous.