As of September, 1999, all new forward-facing child safety seats have to meet stricter head protection requirements, which call for top tether straps.

The statement is accurate because, as of September 1999, regulations were enacted requiring that all new forward-facing child safety seats comply with more stringent head protection standards. One of the key features introduced as part of these enhanced requirements was the inclusion of top tether straps. These straps help to secure the safety seat more effectively, minimizing the risk of forward movement in the event of a collision, which in turn reduces the chance of head injuries for the child. The changes were made to improve the overall safety of child passengers and ensure that child safety seats provided a higher level of protection in an accident. The implementation of these standards reflects a response to the understanding of the critical role proper restraint plays in child safety during vehicle travel.