The LATCH System

LATCH stands for Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children. The system was developed to correct the problem of individuals not being able to install their child safety seats correctly. The problem is so prevalent that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that 80% of car seats are not installed correctly.

The LATCH system corrects the problem by allowing parents to install the child safety seats correctly without the use of seatbelts. All new vehicles as well as infant, convertible, and forward-facing child safety seats manufactured after September 1 of 2002 are equipped with the system.

There are built-in straps and hooks on the safety seat and anchor hardware in the vehicle. On the safety seat, there are hooks attached to straps that are designed to hook into the anchor hardware in the vehicle.

At the bottom of the safety seat, the straps and hooks attach to two bars called "anchors". These are found at the base of the seat, between the seat back and the safety cushion. At the top of the seat, the hooks attach to three different anchor points (metal loops again) which are located on the rear shelf area in passenger cars. Because SUVs and minivans do not have a rear shelf area, the anchor points can be on the floor, under the seat, or even on the ceiling. Each car is required to have a minimum of two LATCH-equipped rear seating positions.

The NHTSA estimates that using LATCH correctly will cut the number of improperly installed child safety seats in half. This, in turn, will reduce the possibility of injury to a child in the even of a car crash.

If your child has been injured in a car crash due to a defective car safety seat or seatbelt, please contact the Madison personal injury lawyers of Habush, Habush, & Rottier at 1-800-822-1690 to discuss your case and to determine your legal options.