PROPER USE OF CHILD CAR SEATS IMPERATIVE
Can you think of anything more important than our children's safety? According to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), thousands of children are tragically injured or killed in motor vehicle crashes every year. NHTSA lists motor vehicle crashes as the leading cause of death for children age 3 and older in the United States.
Approximately 3 out of 4 parents do not properly use child restraints. The NHTSA website provides you with the tools to locate a child safety seat inspection station near you. There, certified technicians can inspect your car seat and teach you how to properly use it. You can also contact your local police or fire department for assistance.
NHTSA's website further advises:
- Keep infants in rear-facing child safety seats in the back seat of the car for as long as possible up to the height or weight limit of the particular seat. At a minimum, infants must remain in rear-facing seats until a minimum of 1 year and at least 20 pounds.
- When children outgrow rear-facing seats, they should ride in forward-facing child safety seats, in the back seat, until they reach the upper weight or height limit of the particular seat (usually around age 4 and 40 pounds).
- Children who outgrow forward-facing seats should ride in booster seats, in the back seat, until the vehicle's back seat lap belt lays across the upper thighs of the child and the shoulder belt fits across the chest (usually at age 8 or when they are 4’9” tall).
- When children outgrow their booster seats, they can use the adult seat belt in the back seat, if it fits properly.
- Always follow manufacturer's instructions regarding proper assembly and age and weight restrictions for a particular seat.
- Children younger than 13 should sit in the back seat to avoided being crushed by air bags if they deploy.
- Stay away from secondhand car seats. You never want to use a car seat that has been in an accident or is missing parts. Get rid of car seats that are six or more years old.
