Ride Safer Travel Vest

Hi everyone!

I have a few questions about this product. We are heading to the beach in July. Ordinarily if we'd rent a car, we'd rent a seat, but we aren't planning to rent a car... just have the hotel shuttle from airport to hotel and back, and possible occasional ventures out via taxi. So I was pondering getting one of these for my daughter for this purpose.

She is 2.5 yo, currently in a Marathon at home. She is 36" tall and 42lbs... big girl So, I know the RSTV is "recommended" for 3 and up, but do you think this would be ok for her for such short usage?

Also, has anyone had experience dealing with the top tether issue in hired vehicles? (Cabs/airport limos?)

I already read (here, in the archives) that you guys usually recommend putting these in the center due to lack of side impact protection; my concern is neck protection and availability of the top tether, and I'd love to hear any thoughts on either of those issues.

Thank you so much!!!!

I think it would fit her fine, and I'd be fine using it as long as it fit appropriately.

Cabs sometimes have tether anchors, limos (which are often newer) often do.

The RSTV doesn't require usage of a top tether as long as you have a lap/shoulder belt. It's recommended, but not required (though the instructions are confusing on that, it has been clarified that no, it is not required.) It's very easy to get one with a lap/shoulder belt for her. Simply call up and ask for a cab with lap/shoulder belts (or even lap/shoulder belts in all positions-- then she can be in the middle, and likely will also have a tether anchor!) The RSTV tests really well on head excursion and neck loads aren't tested for but they shouldn't be excessive with or without a top tether. It does come with a head pillow that is mostly for comfort but they also say it provides some neck protection. Some kids like it, some don't.

I think it would be a really good solution in your situation (cabs, travel, short trips out and don't want it to take up space, child too big for the smaller seats that are easier to travel with.)

Did that answer your questions? Anything else we can help with?

That post was *so* helpful, thank you very much!!!!

Oh, one more question... does anyone have any photos online of how these are installed? I'm sure it comes with instructions, just trying to figure it out with my husband now, in terms of how exactly it works.

Thank you all again

The manufacturer's site has step by step how-to photos at http://www.safetrafficsystem.com/newsite/howto.php and http://www.safetrafficsystem.com/newsite/howto2.php :thumbsup: