Originally Posted by
CD_YOW
However, in the worst case scenario of a survivable accident, the use of the loop belt may cause additional injury to the infant.
The American and Canadian regulatory authorities have taken the position that the possibility of causing additional injury to the infant in the event of a survivable accident is more critical than the possibility of injury from turbulence and other situations resulting in a change in velocity. Therefore, use of the loop belt is prohibited on board aircraft operated by airlines based in either of these countries.
I want to make sure I understand this. When you say survivable accident, are you talking about a crash/hard landing?
I can envision how a lap belt protects a lap child from turbulence (and why I feel comfortable flying on international carries who require lap belts) but I can't grasp how a lap belt could injure a lap child? The only thing I can envision is if the plane suddenly stops during take-off or landing causing a parent to fold over on a lap child being held by a lap belt.
I haven't found any facts to back up my assumption but I would think these events would be far less likely than the 33 injuries due to turbulence? If anyone has these facts please share.