How is the regulation of the use of chairs for children

Knowing the rules of the use of chairs for children is essential to ensure the safety of children, much more vulnerable than adults when traveling by car. The first fact that you have to be clear is that you must take into account the age, height and weight of the child to know which system of retention corresponds to him. Do not forget that if you do not use the right one, the car can be immobilized, as indicated by the new Road Safety Law. In .com we explain to you how is the regulation of the use of chairs for children .

Who is affected

All children who have not reached the age of 12 and who measure less than 1.35 centimeters should use a child restraint system when driving, even if they are short journeys by city. The new Road Safety Law establishes that the car in which a child travels without his or her corresponding seat may be immobilized, so it is important to comply with the regulations . If this does not convince you, we leave you a piece of information from the DGT: traffic accidents are the first cause of death for children under 14 years of age. While these systems do not prevent damage in serious accidents, studies suggest that they reduce deaths by 75 percent and injuries by 90 percent. So, undoubtedly, using them is basic.

Classification

The law divides children into different groups based on their age, weight and height. Next, we explain the classification and the child retention system that corresponds to you:

  • Group 0 : Up to 10 kilos (newborns up to 1 year). The restraint chair can be carried even in the front seat, although it is not advisable, but always in the opposite direction to walking. In the case of a carrycot, you can only go in the back seat and in a horizontal position.
  • Group 0+ : Up to 13 kilos (newborns up to 18 months). In this case, the chair must always go behind and the children have to go with a 5-point harness. When the child's head protrudes from the backrest, you should move on to the next group.
  • Group 1 : Between 9 and 18 kilos (approximately, from 1 year to 4 years). Now, the child seat should always be facing forward and fixed to the seat with the car belt. The restraint harness must also be 5 points and it is necessary to remind the child that he should never remove his arms, since in that case he would be totally unprotected.
  • Group 2 : From 15 to 25 kilos (approximately, from 3 to 6 years). Now, the restraint system becomes a seat or booster cushion, so that the child reaches the precise height so that the belt of the car protects it. The belt should not touch the neck of the child, but pass through the collarbone and shoulder.
  • Group 3 : From 22 to 36 kilos (approximately, from 5 to 12 years old). The same regulations apply to the previous group.
  • Over 12 years of age or height from 1.35 centimeters. You can use the seatbelt or a system approved by children 12 years old or those who, being smaller, measure at least 1.35 centimeters. In any case, until they measure 1.5 meters, you can use child restraint systems that adapt to your weight.

recommendations

In addition to complying with the regulations, you must take into account some recommendations when taking children in your car. Adjust the straps of the restraint systems so that they are firmly attached to the body of the child and, whenever you take the child in the front seat, deactivates the airbag . Anyway, you should know that the safest area of ​​the car is the central rear seat. When you go to buy the car seat for a child, check that it is approved, something that you will know if you find a label with an "E" in which it will be explained in which car models the chair can be used and for what weight. We recommend that you read this article if you want to know more road safety tips for children.