CPST - Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician Crash Dynamics and Misuse Questions and Answers

Question 1

If a vehicle's speed doubles from 30 mph to 60 mph, by what factor do the crash forces increase?

Accepted Answer

They quadruple (4x).

Answer

They double (2x).

Answer

They triple (3x).

Answer

They stay the same.

Question 2

A caregiver has added a thick, plush harness strap cover and a separate head support pillow to their infant's car seat, which were purchased online. What is the primary safety concern a CPST must address?

Accepted Answer

These non-regulated aftermarket products can interfere with proper harness tightness and placement, creating slack and compromising protection in a crash.

Answer

The products may not be machine washable, making them difficult to keep clean.

Answer

The colors of the products might clash with the car seat's original fabric design.

Answer

The caregiver likely paid too much for accessories that are not necessary for comfort.

Question 3

The primary safety principle of 'riding down the crash' is best achieved under which of the following conditions?

Accepted Answer

A tightly installed car seat with a snug harness, coupling the child to the vehicle's structure.

Answer

A loose car seat installation that allows for some movement to absorb initial impact forces.

Answer

Using a car seat made of flexible materials that can bend during a collision.

Answer

Positioning the child as low as possible in the vehicle to lower their center of gravity.

Question 4

A caregiver receives a used car seat from a neighbor. Which of the following represents the MOST critical reason to advise against using it?

Accepted Answer

The complete history of the car seat, including any potential crash involvement, is unknown.

Answer

The fabric cover has some minor food stains and discoloration.

Answer

The instruction manual is missing, but a digital copy is available on the manufacturer's website.

Answer

The seat is an older model, and newer, more stylish versions are now available.

Question 5

A CPST observes that a newborn in a rear-facing car seat is positioned too upright, causing their head to slump forward with their chin on their chest. What is the primary danger associated with this misuse?

Accepted Answer

It can lead to positional asphyxia by obstructing the infant's airway.

Answer

It increases the likelihood of the harness straps slipping off the child's shoulders.

Answer

It places uncomfortable pressure on the infant's developing spine.

Answer

It can cause the child to slide out from under the harness during a crash.

Question 6

A child is riding in a forward-facing car seat with the harness chest clip positioned low over their abdomen. In a frontal crash, what is the most likely and dangerous consequence of this specific misuse?

Accepted Answer

The harness straps can slip off the child's shoulders, increasing the risk of upper body excursion or ejection.

Answer

The clip could shatter and become a projectile within the vehicle.

Answer

It will cause the harness to be too tight, restricting the child's breathing during the crash.

Answer

The pressure from the clip could cause significant injury to the child's soft abdominal organs.