Light weight latch plate & high back booster

[Mattie]

I don't have anyone in a high back booster yet since my oldest is still in a 5 point harness but I just got to thinking about when he will be. I have 3 in car seats now (3 year old twins) in a 2008 suburban with captains chairs. The 3rd row has the latching plates instead of the ratchet lock on the shoulder strap. Is this safe for a high back booster since the actual should strap doesn't tighten in the event of a crash? It feels like the only thing holding him in would be the lap belt. Am I over thinking this?

 

[murphydog77]

I don't have anyone in a high back booster yet since my oldest is still in a 5 point harness but I just got to thinking about when he will be. I have 3 in car seats now (3 year old twins) in a 2008 suburban with captains chairs. The 3rd row has the latching plates instead of the ratchet lock on the shoulder strap. Is this safe for a high back booster since the actual should strap doesn't tighten in the event of a crash? It feels like the only thing holding him in would be the lap belt. Am I over thinking this?

Hi Mattie. Yes, it's perfectly safe. In a crash, the seat belt will act like yours (the driver's). It has an Emergency Locking Retractor, which means it will lock on a sudden stop or in a crash. The lock at the latchplate provides the friction so that the entire belt stays tight on him—it won't spool loose over his whole body.