The ‘Bin the Booster’ campaign, which is being run by car seat manufacturer, Britax, urges families to re-evaluate their options when it comes to Group 2-3 car seats – seats which accommodate children who weigh between 15 and 36 kg.
Releasing a crash test video which compares booster cushions and highback booster seats, Britax aim to highlight the importance of deep protective side wings, head support and appropriately positioned seat belts.
Commenting on the campaign, Britax’s safety expert, Mark Bennett, said: “We are calling for all parents using booster cushions to switch to a highback booster option and help us further spread the word about the inadequate protection these cushions provide.”
As EU standards do not take into account tests for side collisions on Group 2-3- car seats, Britax acknowledge many parents may be unaware of the safety implications in the event of an accident of this nature.
Supporting the Britax campaign, Good Egg Safety CEO, Jan Jones, said: “This footage really drives home the dangers of booster cushions.”
Commenting on the implications of using a booster cushion, Jan continues: “When using them, parents are trying to protect their children by lifting them up to ensure a better fit of seat belt, not realising that their child is still in significant danger in an impact.”
The crash test videos, which were filmed at Britax’s facility in Andover, Hampshire, depicts a dummy using a booster cushion hitting its head on the side of the car as it slips free of the upper part of the three-point seatbelt.
In comparison, the dummy sitting in the highback seat remains more upright as it is contained by the seat's side supports and upper belt guide.
Reinforcing the importance of the choice, Jan insisted: “We highly recommend the use of a highback booster for that extra vital protection."
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