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Old November 3rd 03, 06:51 AM
Cory Dunkle
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Default Why are new cars missing car seat LATCH for rear middle seat????

"Paula" wrote in message
om...
Hi - just wondering if anyone out there has a vehicle with the car
seat LATCH in the middle seat? Seems like a lot of the auto
manufacturers included a tether hook for the middle seat, but only put
the LATCH anchors on the side seats.

I think this is ridiculous!!!! Isn't it common knowledge that most
parents seat their children in the middle seat because it's the safest
position in the vehicle? What is the point of installing the LATCH
anchors for two of three possible seats? I just don't understand it.

I have been looking at SUVs and the only one I've seen that has a
middle seat LATCH anchor is the Saturn VUE. Does anyone else know if
other car manufacterers are including a middle seat LATCH anchor, or
is this the only one? This is really stupid, because I've heard
stories of some people incorrectly using the side anchors to secure a
child seat in the middle seat position!

I've heard that some dealers may install a LATCH anchor for you if you
ask (perhaps at a charge). Is this true? I know they will install
tether hooks, but I've never heard of a LATCH achor. Can someone
confirm that they have successfully done this and how much it was?


Uhh... Last time I checked all seatbelt latches in cars and trucks were
either firmly anchored to the frame or attached to the body with bolts and
sufficiently large washers. Seatbelts for all passengers have been standard
since '68 on all autos IIRC.

Anyway, as otehrs have said, if you are looking for the safest possible
vehicle for your child you should be looking at full-size cars. They are
very safe in accidents, and also give you a much better ability to avoid an
accident than a truck.

Cory