Crash test dummies are not developed for the United States' growing population of obese kids, meaning that car seats are not always properly tested for the children who will be using them.
A 2006 study found a disparity between the number of larger children and the lack of adequate testing for child seats.
The federal regulations require crash test dummies for children who weigh up to 65 pounds, even though 10 percent of two to three year olds are obese and over that weight.
Manufactures make child seats for children weighing up to 85 pounds but since test dummies do not weight the same, the crash testings are not accurate.
The forward-facing child safety seats used by children one to four are usually made to accommodate 20 to 40 pound kids.
Adult crash dummies for heavier weights have been in development for decades but children crash dummies are overlooked.
A test dummy for kids was due in 2004 but researchers are still waiting for a finished product. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is using smaller versions of adult test dummies for child seat tests.
