Evaluation of Australian child restraints

The dynamic performance of child restraints available in Australia is examined from engineering and medical points of view. Dynamic collision simulations were carried out with restraints having the approval of the Standards Association of Australia. Frontal and side impacts were simulated to allow measurement of space requirements and appraisal of the forces applied to the passenger using each restraint. Strengths and weaknesses of the various types of device are explored and conclusions are reached about the crash protection available to children in Australia.