CPSC, NHTSA and Cosco Announce Recall of Infant Car Seats/Carriers
Press Release # 99-138
Transcript
(Adult taking car seat/carrier out of car and walking away) In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Cosco is recalling (two car seats) about 670,000 Arriba and Turnabout infant car seat/carriers.
(Close-ip of handle lock) When used as an infant carrier, the handle locks on each side of the seat can (seat flipping forward) unexpectedly release, causing the seat to flip foward. When this happens, the baby inside can fall to the ground and suffer serious injuries.
(CPSC's Chairman Ann Brown speaking) "There already have been 151 reports of this carrier's handle unexpectedly releasing, resulting in 29 injuries to young children. If you have one of these carriers, call to get the repair today."
(Car seat/carrier with doll strapped inside) Reports of falls from these carriers include (seat flipping) skull fractures, a broken arm, bumps to the head, black eyes, scrapes, and bruises. (Adult strapping baby into seat) According to the reports, some injuries occurred to children who were restrained in the seats.
(NHTSA Administrator Ricardo Martinez speaking) "Parents should continue using these rear-facing infant car seats, but should not use the carrying handle until a repair kit has been installed. A child safety seat that is installed and used correctly, is the most effective safety device available for young children in automobiles."
("COSCO", model names and manufacturing dates on screen with two seats in the background) The recall involves Arriba and Turnabout infant car seat/carrier models, manufactured between March 1, 1995 and September 9, 1997. (car seat) The manufacture date and model number are written on a (close-up of label) label located on the side of the seat. ("COSCO" and model numbers shown on the screen with a seat in the background) They have the following model numbers: (model numbers shown) If your car seat/carrier does not have the model name written on it, it can identified by the model number and manufacturing date. (stroller with car seat) Some of these car seat/carriers also were sold with strollers.
(Close-up of product box which reads: "COSCO"; Infant Car Seat"; "Asiento De Automovil Para Bebe") Juvenile product, mass merchandise and major discount stores nationwide (product box) sold the car seats/carriers beginning in March 1995 ("COSCO" and dates and prices shown) for about 29 to 59 dollars when sold alone, or 89 to 139 dollars when sold with strollers.
(White paper) Cosco will provide a free repair kit that will make the handle stronger. The repair can easily be done in the home. (Adult walking down the street with car seat in hand) Until your seat is repaired, you should not carry the car seat by the handle. (car seat being put in car and door being closed) You can
continue to (back of car) use the product as a car seat or with a stroller. (Adult strapping baby into seat) Remember to always restrain your baby in the car seat at all times.
("COSCO" and number and website address to the company) To receive a free repair kit or for more information, call Cosco at (800) 221-6736 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday, (website address shown) or visit Cosco's website at: www.coscoinc.com.
(Two seats) In Washington, I'm Jane Luters.
End