Car Seat Safety: An Often Overlooked Essential

With Child Passenger Safety Week in September, it's a timely reminder of the crucial importance of car seat safety. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, car crashes are one of the leading causes of death for children ages one to 13. However, many of these tragedies could be prevented with the proper use and installation of car seats and booster seats.

The Right Car Seat Makes All the Difference

Selecting the appropriate car seat for your child is the first step in ensuring their safety on the road. Parents must consider their child's age, height, and weight when choosing between rear-facing seats, forward-facing seats with a harness, boosters, or simply a seat belt. The NHTSA provides a handy car seat finder tool that makes selecting the correct seat a breeze.

Ensure Secure Installation

It might be surprising to learn that over half of all car seats are not installed correctly. A correct installation should allow the seat to move no more than an inch when pulled at the base. Whether using a seatbelt or the LATCH system, the seat should be tightly secured but should not combine both systems.

Check for Proper Strap Positioning

The effectiveness of a car seat also depends on correct harness strap positioning. Straps should lay snug and flat, free from any twists, with the chest clip placed at armpit level. These details ensure that your child is securely fastened and that the harness can effectively restrain them in case of a sudden stop or crash.

Don’t Rush the Transition

It's essential not to transition your child to the next stage seat prematurely. Each level down in restraint lessens protection. Your child's safety should dictate when it's time for them to graduate to the next type of seat, not just their age.

Need Help? Get a Free Inspection

If it's been some time since you checked your car seat, consider scheduling a free inspection with a certified technician in your area. Often, a minor adjustment can significantly impact your child's safety. For any legal inquiries this summer or as we head into the fall, feel free to reach out. We're here to provide the support and guidance you need.