MotoMommaNH
New member
Why don't tech's on here advocate for extended harnessing? Or maybe there are that do and I haven't noticed. The curriculum we were taught a couple months ago in my class emphasized the NHTSA 4 step policy of "every step away from rear facing is a step down on safety". It was mentioned several times. They reccomend obviously rear facing as long as possible and give the four year mark on the Four Steps chart for that. My instructors also emphasized keeping children in five point harnesses as long as the seat allows etc. Not that moving an appropriately aged and size child into a booster is unsafe, its just not as safe as a five point.
Yet, the information I see people giving out here is that if you want to booster a smaller five year old that is mature enough and has no special needs etc., to go ahead and do so because research doesn't say its any less safe. Of course if that child is ready, then fine. But if the parent wants to keep them harnessed, why aren't we encouraging that? Or even advocating for it. Saying boosters are just as safe goes against what I was taught. I mean I don't expect kids to be harnessed to 20 but I feel like we treat this step differently than ERF, kwim? Maybe this is a newer NHTSA policy and some techs are unaware? There has got to be a reason that race car drivers and pilots wear five point harnesses....because they are safer, right?
Please someone enlighten me because I feel like I'm missing something and don't want to tell parents the wrong thing! Any recent studies I should read up on?
Tia!!
Eta: just realized this should prob be on the other board...sorry mods! Feel free to move
Yet, the information I see people giving out here is that if you want to booster a smaller five year old that is mature enough and has no special needs etc., to go ahead and do so because research doesn't say its any less safe. Of course if that child is ready, then fine. But if the parent wants to keep them harnessed, why aren't we encouraging that? Or even advocating for it. Saying boosters are just as safe goes against what I was taught. I mean I don't expect kids to be harnessed to 20 but I feel like we treat this step differently than ERF, kwim? Maybe this is a newer NHTSA policy and some techs are unaware? There has got to be a reason that race car drivers and pilots wear five point harnesses....because they are safer, right?
Please someone enlighten me because I feel like I'm missing something and don't want to tell parents the wrong thing! Any recent studies I should read up on?
Tia!!
Eta: just realized this should prob be on the other board...sorry mods! Feel free to move