Child seat research backed by the FIA Foundation has been discussed at a global meeting of independent car crash test programmes.
Details of the NPACS research into child seat protocols were presented to the World NCAP meeting in Austria by FIA Foundation technical director Frank van West. NPACS (New Programme for the Assessment of Child Restraint Systems) aims to establish scientifically based EU-wide harmonized test and rating protocols that will provide consumers with clear and understandable information about the dynamic performance and usability of “universally” approved child restraints. During the first two years of the FIA Foundation & EU funded programme the participants are carrying out research work leading to the development of new test and rating procedures. After two years a Euro NCAP-type testing and rating programme for (universally approved) child restraints will be launched. The results will be publicized by automobile clubs and consumer groups to provide the best possible level of information to parents.
The World NCAP meeting at which the child seat research was presented brought together experts of ANCAP (Australian NCAP), US NCAP, JNCAP (Japan NCAP) and Euro NCAP for an exchange of views and information.
Click here to view the presentation >