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LATCH was developed as a universal standard to make it easy and simpler to install car seats in vehicles. LATCH means Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children.
The basic design includes two latch bars at the base of the seat 280 mm apart or approximately 11 inches. Also, there is a tether eye to anchor the top of the seat with a tether strap. The purpose of the tether was to limit head excursion during a 30mph crash from 32 inches to 28 inches. This standard has been adopted and made it mandatory for all vehicles to have latch positions in vehicle manufactured after 2002. Child seat manufacturers have to have latch and tether straps on their child passenger safety seats. Latch or seat belt installations undergo the same testing so both continue to be safe. |
 | Carolinas District Kiwanis International |
South Carolina Highway Patrol |  |