According to a recent release by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Dorel Juvenile Group (DJG) is recalling 794247 child safety seats due to a harness lock and release button that may not revert to a locked position. With the button in the unlocked position a harness may become loose as a child moves around which could result in injury in the event of a crash. The Dorel child safety seats were sold from May 2008 to April 2009 and have a Center Front Adjuster for the harness. The safety seats include convertible infant and booster restraint systems that were sold by themselves or as part of a travel system along with a stroller. Specific information regarding the recalled models of Dorel child safety seats can be found here. DJG will provide those with the affected models with non-toxic lubricant that can be used to prevent the locking mechanism from sticking. Consumers can still use the affected models of these child safety seats but with the notice that a parent or guardian should make a careful inspection of the harness to ensure that it is properly locked. Such a check can be performed by pulling on the shoulder part of the harness to ensure it is secure and does not loosen due to the pulling. The manufacturer can be reached at 1-866-623-3139.
It is peculiar that products intended for use by children or in close proximity to children often seem to be the focus of many recalls as previous postings on this blog attest. While its important that manufacturers of baby products and child products perform voluntary recalls when applicable it would be more encouraging to see these types of products properly tested before being released to the general public. Injury to one child is one injury too many.
– Texas Product Liability Lawyer Michael Grossman
