Up to what age can child seats be used? What is the risk of not using

A child seat is used when carrying a child in a car. It can now be said that it is one of the essential items for raising children, but let's review the basics of child seats, such as why they are used and what disadvantages there are if they are not used.

What is a child seat?

This is a seat that a child is placed in when riding in a car, and is fixed to the back seat. Because small children cannot wear seat belts, they are held securely in child seats instead.
There are several types, including one for infants that can be used by babies who cannot sit upright, one for infants, and one for school children, and various models are released by each manufacturer. There is also a dual-purpose type that can be used for a long time by infants, toddlers, and even school children.

Why do you need a child seat?

The biggest reason to use a child seat is for your child's safety.
In the event of an unexpected situation such as a collision or sudden stop, if a child is blown off or hits a seat or door, it could be life-threatening. To prevent this from happening, it is necessary to fix it in a way that does not put strain on the body.
The use of child seats is also regulated by law.
The Road Traffic Act was revised in 2000, making it mandatory for children under the age of 6 to use child seats in cars.

Is everyone using it properly?

According to a joint survey conducted by the National Police Agency and the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF) in May 2020, the national average child seat usage rate was 78.2%. By age group, 91.7% of mothers and fathers under 1 year old use it, while the usage rate drops to 80.7% for 1 to 4 year olds, and 57.9% for 5 year olds.
Although the number of people using it is increasing year by year, the current situation is that it is still not enough.

Are you using your child seat correctly?

Approximately 80% of mothers and fathers use child seats, but it is also true that many of them use them incorrectly.
According to a survey by JAF and the National Police Agency, approximately 30% of people do not have their seats installed correctly, and more than 40% of people sit in the wrong way.
In the event of a traffic accident, a child seat may come off if it is not installed properly, and a child may jump out of the child seat if it is not seated correctly. Even if you use it, there is no point in using it if you can't ensure safety. Be sure to check the instruction manual of the product and use it correctly.

What are the risks of not using a child seat?

According to data from the National Police Agency (1989-1989), if a child seat is not used, the fatality rate in traffic accidents increases by approximately 4.2 times. This "unused" includes cases where the product is not used properly. If you don't install the product correctly for your child's size and help them sit properly, you're not using it at all.
The importance of proper use is also reflected in the numbers.

From when to when will you use it?

If you are going to pick up the mother and baby by car when you leave the hospital after giving birth, you will need a child seat from then on. Before giving birth, prepare items that can be used for infants as well.
The timing of graduation varies depending on the level of growth.
Since it is compulsory for children under the age of 6 to use it, legally it is OK to graduate after reaching the age of 6. However, JAF recommends that children continue to use the product even after the age of 6 until they reach a certain height.

In August of this year, there was a tragic accident in Fukuoka in which a 7-year-old and a 5-year-old sister who were riding in a light passenger car were killed in a collision with a local bus. At the time of the accident, the two were wearing seatbelts but were not using child or junior seats. Currently, the Road Traffic Act does not stipulate height requirements, but small children are extremely dangerous in the event of a collision or sudden stop, as the seatbelt ends up wrapping around their necks and soft stomachs. In response to these accidents, JAF has increased the recommended height for child seats and junior seats by 10 centimeters from less than 140 centimeters to less than 150 centimeters. Compliance with laws and regulations is of course essential, but continuing to use a child seat as necessary even after the specified age can save a child's life.

Points to consider when choosing a child seat

Choose one that suits your child's growth stage and physique, but it is essential that it can be installed in your car. Please check the compatibility chart to make sure the product can be installed in your car before purchasing.
It is also very important that the product is safe.
Safety standards for child seats are set by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and the Japan Automobile Accident Prevention Agency, and the results of frontal collision tests and usability evaluation tests are made public. Check the data and choose a product with the "E mark" or "own mark", which is proof that it has passed safety standards.

*Reference*
▼National Police Agency website “Child seats to protect children”
▼Japan Automobile Federation (JAF) homepage “First child seat quick guide”

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