When it comes to resources for child passenger safety technicians, the LATCH manual easily makes the short list of “must have” references. It is jam packed with technical information that is invaluable to the CPST. Need to know how to use a top tether (rear or forward facing)? Want to know where LATCH began or how to use a retrofit tether? Can’t find the anchors in a vehicle that should have them? The LATCH Manual can tell you all of that, and so much more.
The LATCH Manual is published by Safe Ride News and a new edition is available every odd year and the color changes with each edition (SO COOL RIGHT?!).
It is always exciting as an even-numbered year draws to a close and we make bets on what color the new edition will have and what new material it will cover (we don’t get out much, ok). Safe Ride News also provides updates on their website whenever changes are made, those can be found here. CPSTs can create a profile and opt-in for emails whenever those changes are made as well!
All through the month of May, we are celebrating CPST month and we just couldn’t let the month go by without a celebration of this crucial reference. We hit the streets of the interwebs and asked technicians near and far to share their love of the LATCH manual. We received photos, poetry, a video, and overwhelming love for this humble manual.
Who doesn’t love a haiku?
Oh, how I love you.
Just couldn’t live without you.
My LATCH Manual.
-Britney
I even tried my own hand at a haiku. I think I should probably stick to car seats, not poetry:
Oh LATCH manual!
Car seat details you contain,
What color comes next?
The LATCH manual has a wide appeal, not just for humans!
CPST Kristina says, “the LATCH Manual makes me feel like a genius. When I am able to look something up and tell someone, in your car you can do x, y, or z, they are always impressed.”
We agree, Kristina!
CPST Lisa says, “I like my latch manual because it helps me know limits, borrowing rules, which cars have LATCH where…. All in an easy to use format.”
This CSFTL kiddo is starting her CPST training early by doing a deep dive with the LATCH manual. Keep your eye on this next generation of CPSTs!
CSFTL Moderator Sammy is our resident Brit CPS Advocate and her LATCH manual sees regular use, even from across the pond – brilliant!
Now that you’re totally convinced of the amazingness of the LATCH manual, we are giving one away! A bright, shiny, orange LATCH manual will be headed the direction of one lucky CPST. Enter using the Rafflecopter widget below. If you need to order one (or several!) you can find the order form here. You won’t find an app or a checkout cart: the LATCH manual is beautifully old school and requires printing and faxing or mailing of the form to order. In return, you’ll receive a real, live book, complete with that lovely new-book smell.
Finally, a quick note from Deborah Stewart and the Safe Ride News Team: