Updating the child restraint systems reference list for ASEAN NCAP

Abstract

Child car occupants must be secured using appropriate Child Restraint Systems (CRS) in order to reduce the risk of severe injuries in the case of crashes or emergency braking. As part of ASEAN NCAP protocol, the so-called “CRS Reference List” of widely available, well performing child seats was established to assess a vehicle’s ability to safely and correctly accommodate child seats. In 2017, ASEAN NCAP introduced a new upper and lower limit crash pulse curve to better represent crashworthiness of cars available in the ASEAN market. With this new curve, the CRS Reference List must be reviewed accordingly; which is the aim of this project. This paper describes the process to update the CRS Reference List, starting from exploring the potential of CRS in three ASEAN markets (i.e., Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia). The identified CRS were then evaluated based on several selection criteria (i.e., availability, regulation approved, weight group combination, price, size and installation direction). Based on the evaluation, several CRS are shortlisted for further technical assessment following ASEAN NCAP Child Occupant Protection (COP) protocol. The CRS shortlist is presented in this paper. However, the proposed CRS Reference List will not be disclosed in this work.