The overall protection of the growing child in the car is a question of designing child safety systems specifically for the needs of the child, such as age, stature and weight. Safety benefits are seen if children use booster cushions up to the ages of 10 to 12 years. The aim of this study is to present and to evaluate the safety potential of a new rear seat design for the growing child, including 2-stage booster cushions together with progressive load-limiters.

The 2-stage booster cushion is an evolution of the first generation integrated booster cushions which were launched in 1990. The 2-stage booster cushion was designed to help provide an even better fit for an even broader range of sizes of forward facing children. In its high position, the seat belt fit for the smaller children is in focus. In its low position it offers a more adapted thigh support (reducing likelihood of slouching) for the larger children, as compared to when using the adult seat position. The progressive load-limiter is adapted to the child.

Referring to accident experiences of children in rear seats of prior Volvo cars and published data on booster usage, misuse, performance and functionality, the safety potential is estimated and discussed.

This study presents a new rear seat safety concept for enhanced overall protection for children aged approximately 4 to 12 years old. The 2-stage booster cushion and the progressive load limiter working as a system has potential for increased safety by attracting increased usage by a larger span of child occupant sizes together with a more adapted crash performance.