 |
1. Recall Lists Compared (Nov/Dec 2003)
Recall search resources available online and in print have increased and grown more diverse in features and costs in recent years. Usefulness of a list depends somewhat on whether the user wants e-mail alerts, simply to search for a particular product/manufacturer online or needs a printed cumulative copy to have as a reference by the telephone or at checkup events. Some may want to use more than one list, depending on their need at the time.
The list below is intended to help advocates compare the primary features of available resources. Some of these are available at the government recalls home page, www.recalls.gov, but some are not.
| Features | NHTSA | Safety Alerts | SafetyBeltSafe U.S.A. | Safety Restraint Coalition | Univ. of N. Carolina |
|
1 |
May be viewed on Web site | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
2 |
May be downloaded to print | yes | yes | yes (paid subscription) | yes | yes |
3 |
Number of pages (print version) | 29 | 32 | 13 | 4 | 14 |
4 |
Date of list (as of 12-22-03) | 12-12-03 | not shown | 12-16-03 | 12-11-03 | 12-18-03 |
5 |
E-mail alerts available | no | yes | yes (paid subscription) | yes (paid subscription) | yes |
6 |
All recalls since 1981 listed | no | no | yes | yes | yes |
7 |
Includes models with no recalls | no | no | yes | no | no |
8 |
Lists all recalls alphabetically by model name | no | no | yes | yes | yes, also index by model # |
9 |
Lists free replacement parts available from manufacture's | no | no | no | no | no |
10 |
Lists significant changes in manufacture's instructions | no | no | yes | no | no |
NOTES on Features
1. For quick reference by parents, professionals in the office.
2. For use in the field.
3. Some lists are longer because they are not formatted properly for printing.
Others are longer because they have more information.
4. Some lists are updated every time a new recall is added.
Others are not updated consistently.
In some cases, the website may not be updated as quickly as the printed version is.
5. New recalls are not announced consistently.
To get notification as early as possible, sign up for as many alerts as possible.
6. It is useful to have information about recalls on older seats to help
convince parents they should not be used.
7. This feature prevents the car seat checker from assuming there is no recall due to
incorrect identification of the CR (i.e., Evenflo Comfort Touch)
8. The sticker with the model # can peel off when a CR is less than a year old.
Without identifying the model correctly, the recall would not be recognized.
9. In some cases when consumers report a problem or defect, the manufacturer decides to provide
free replacement parts without issuing a recall.
10. Recent changes in manufacturer recommendations may not be included
in the instruction booklet provided with the CR.
2. Innovative Materials from SafetyBeltSafe U.S.A.:(Sept/Oct 03 revised 07/04)
CD of Manufacturers Instructions
Instructions with summary sheets for every restraint made from 1996-2002 are available on a CD from SafetyBeltSafe U.S.A. (SBS USA). To order, go to www.carseat.org, click on What’s New (upper left), then 2003 Instruction CD Available, (Fifth item). New instructions for restraints introduced in 2003 and revised instructions for seats made prior to 2003 are available to those who subscribe to “CPS Tech Access.” It is essential to have all the instructions for checkups, fitting stations, and one-on-one assistance to parents.
SafetyBelt Safe U.S.A. has collected and formatted child restraint instructions under a NHTSA contract since 2000. Until the end of September, NHTSA provided CDs to be distributed with participant manuals at Certification classes. Since NHTSA is no longer providing them, several states have ordered a supply of CDs from SafetyBeltSafe U.S.A. for existing CPSTs and trainees. Check with your state coordinator to find out if he or she has ordered CDs to distribute in your state.
Technical Update Service on Web
SBS USA is offering a web-based technical update service for groups and individuals. It includes:
• Safe Ride News
• SafeBeltSafe News
• SBS USA Recall Update Service (e-mail notification of new materials, internet access to the comprehensive recall list)
• Access to new manufacturers’ instructions as they become available, without having to wait for a new CD.
Group rates are available for 20 or more people, purchased at one time. For more information, contact Cheryl Kim, ckim@carseat.org, 626-968-6555.
3. CPSP List-Serve: (May/June 03)
A Useful Link For Techs, Advocates, and Experts
There are now over 800 members of the child passenger safety practitioner (CPSP) list-serve, a Yahoo-based web discussion group. Members include parents, CPS Techs, some CR and vehicle manufacturer representatives, and some volunteer experts who share their knowledge.
The list provides an interesting window into the grass-roots issues and problems that CPSTs and advocates encounter with products and in their communities. It is an early warning system for product concerns and technical issues that may not be fully understood. Discussions relate to products, laws, media reports, studies, and programs. People give support and advice and share news they have picked up in other ways. For those requiring technical answers, usually a manufacturer or expert will explain the issue or offer a reference. There is an archive of past discussions.
The list is monitored by three volunteers, Merritt, Catherine, and Ross, who encourage sharing and discourage overtly commercial messages. Contact them at CPSPList-owner@yahoogroups.com.
If incorrect technical advice is given, it usually is corrected quickly by other members. However, there is no filtering system that assures the accuracy of answers, so each user must assess the information gained as to its source and look for confirmation in other references.
To sign up, send a blank message to: CPSPList-subscribe@yahoogroups.com. Members are screened by the monitors to avoid spammers. You do not have to join Yahoo to take part, although you can only manage your own membership, such as switching from real-time delivery to daily digests, if you are in Yahoo. If you are not a Yahoo member, one of the monitors can help you with these adjustments.
Usage hints:
• Do not send attachments
• Use a subject line that is relevant
• When replying, limit the amount of earlier material that you include to the immediate message you are answering
• Answer questions directly with the sender if they are of limited interest to the entire group
• Sign off when away if you have an automatic reply message in your e-mail program.
4. Heard on the CPS List-Serve:Credit for Nurses as CPSTs
CPS Instructors who wish to register their classes for CECH’s should use two updated forms. Please contact ENCARE for the new forms. A fee of $25.00 is required for each nurse participant who wishes to receive CECH’s.
ENCARE’s new contact information:
ENA, Institute for Injury Prevention
800/900-9659, ext 4112, encare@ena.org
Also see SRN Resources