Government agency wants new guidelines for child car seats

WASHINGTON – A government agency is calling for new federal safety guidelines for car seats.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration wants car seats to protect children in side impact crashes, also known as ‘T-bone crashes.’ The plan has been considered for about a decade now. Some child seat makers have already introduced models that are marketed to protect children in side crashes.

"The proposed upgrades would include the first-ever side impact tests on car seats sold in the United States that are designed for children weighing up to 40 pounds," David Friedman with the NHTSA said.

The tests would also use child-sized crash dummies, including the one that’s the size of a three-year-old. The agency estimates a change could save five lives and prevent 64 injuries each year.