FAA Decision Goes Against NTSB Safety Seat Campaign

NTSB Acting Chairman Mark Rosenker Friday expressed disappointment at the FAA's refusal to require effective action to ensure that infants and toddlers under age 2 are safely restrained on airliners.

The FAA has announced that it will not require the use of approved child restraints but will allow their use on a strictly voluntary basis.

"While the FAA's new position may provide more options for the voluntary use of safety seats, we continue to believe that infants and young children deserve the same protection that is provided to other aircraft passengers," said Rosenker. "During takeoff, landing, and turbulence, adults are required to be buckled up, baggage and coffee pots are stowed, computers are turned off and put away, yet infants and toddlers need not be restrained. This is an unnecessary risk to our children."

The NTSB recommended in 1995 that infants and small children be restrained on airliners in a manner appropriate to their size. The recommendation has been on the Board's list of "Most Wanted" safety improvements since 1999.

Rosenker noted that the American Academy of Pediatrics has made a similar recommendation.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov