For immediate release
Transport Canada is advising parents, caregivers and the public of a potential problem with the 'A Lok' harness strap adjusting device of some Britax Marathon child restraint systems.
The adjusting device may not lock the harness straps properly, which would then allow the harness straps to slip through the device and create looseness in the harness system that restrains the child. Should the harness straps be loose on the child, in the event of a motor vehicle collision, the Marathon restraint system would not provide the level of protection for which it was designed and certified under the Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Act.
Transport Canada is not aware of any motor vehicle collisions causing injuries reported in Canada involving the Marathon child restraint system with a defective 'A Lok' harness adjuster.
About 3,100 car seats, bearing model number E9L17, followed by a three-digit number representing the colour code, are affected. These seats were manufactured from October 14, 2003 to July 23, 2004.
The model number and date of manufacture can be found on the label located on the front of the restraint under the 'A Lok' adjuster, usually behind the pad on the seat cushion.
Britax Child Safety Ltd. is offering a free 'A Lok' repair kit for affected Britax Marathon child restraint systems. Transport Canada is encouraging owners of the affected Marathon child restraint systems to immediately contact Britax and obtain the repair kit. The information and repair kit provided by Britax will make it unnecessary for a consumer to return the restraint system to the retailer.
Britax Child Safety Ltd. can be reached at 1-800-683-2045, or on its web site at www.britaxusa.com.
Transport Canada reminds Canadians to read the instructions thoroughly when installing a child seat.
A public information notice issued by Transport Canada on August 13, 2004 and further information on these child car seats can be found on Transport Canada's web site at: http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/roadsafety/safedrivers-childsafety-notices-d200405-menu-258.htm.
| Contact:
Cathy Cossaboom Transport Canada (613) 993-0055 |
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