TP 2436
Road Safety Leaflet # D-2003-04 (E)
Manufacturer:
Britax Child Safety Inc.
13501 South Ridge Drive
Charlotte, NC 28273
USA
Importer & Distributor:
Britax Child Safety, Ltd.
PO Box 7289
RPO Brunswick Square
Saint John, NB
E2L 9Z9
Consumer Contact:
Call Centre: 1-888-427-4829
Model and Model Number Affected:
E9016
Dates of Manufacture:
July 7, 1999 - August 31, 2002
Number of Units:
2,441
Problem:
Two Roundabout child restraint systems were tested for compliance with Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (CMVSS) 213, in the rear-facing mode in accordance with the manufacturer's instruction regarding the harness strap adjustment positions. Both units failed to meet the test requirements of the standard as the head movement above the height of the seat back exceeded the requirements during a crash test. The compliance problem occurred because of the instructions in the owner's manual.
Geographic Distribution:
Across Canada
Safety Risk:
In the event of a serious frontal collision, with a child at the upper end of the height range recommended by the manufacturer, utilizing the restraint in the rear facing-mode and with the harness threaded through the upper harness slots in the back of the seat as recommended, the child's head could strike the interior of the vehicle and cause a head injury.
Background & Company Action:
Transport Canada tested two Roundabout child restraints certified for the rear-facing mode between 2.3 – 13.6 kgs (5 - 30 lbs). The target on the side of the head exceeded the height of the seat back when it was tested utilizing the three-year-old Anthropomorphic Test Device (ATD) as specified in the applicable safety standard (Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213, Child Restraint Systems). Transport Canada contacted Britax regarding the test failures and had a meeting with their representative at the test laboratory. Britax responded to our letter and modified their instruction manual to ensure that the restraints, when tested in the rear-facing mode, with a three-year-old ATD, would meet the requirements specified in the standard.
Consumer Action & Recourse:
Consumers are advised to contact Britax Child Safety Inc. at 1-888-427-4829 to receive a new insert for their owner's manual regarding the proper adjustment height of the harness straps for the rear-facing mode. Consumers who have registered their restraint systems will be sent the instruction book inserts. Consumers who are not sure whether or not they have registered their car seat should contact the manufacturer at the above telephone number. The child restraints are not to be returned to the retailer.
Manufacturer's New Instructions for Page 6 of the Instruction Manual:
To Check Harness Height:
- Place child in restraint, then secure harness.
- Observe where the shoulder harness is positioned on the child:
- Rear Facing Strap Height: Harness straps should be located in the nearest slot at or below the child's shoulder.
- Forward Facing Strap Height: Harness straps should be located in the nearest slot at or above the child's shoulder.
- If harness height is okay, continue using child restraint without adjustment. If harness height requires adjustment, refer to Changing the Height of the Shoulder Straps.
IMPORTANT: Once the top slots become necessary, the child may continue to use the restraint until the top of the ears become level with the top of the restraint shell or child's weight exceeds 13.6 kg (30 lbs).
P233300 : R1:03/03
6
Transport Canada: 1-800-333-0371
Release Date: April 4, 2003