Being that our firm handles both auto and motorcycle accident cases, we understand the importance of safety no matter what mode of transportation you choose. That safety extends to passengers as well, including the younger ones. Simply strapping your child in a car seat does not guarantee safety. Knowing these important facts can help you better protect your child in the event of an accident.
Child safety seats for infants are required by law in all 50 states and 47 states require booster seats for children who have outgrown his/her safety seat but are still not grown enough for an adult seat belt. It is important to know the laws regarding safety seats in your state, for more information visit http://www.ghsa.org/html/stateinfo/laws/childsafety_laws.html.
When it comes to your child's safety, nothing is more important. So when it's time to purchase a car seat, keep these factors in mind:
• Select a car seat based on your child's age and size, choose a seat that fits in your vehicle and use it every time.
• Always refer to your specific car seat manufacturer's instructions; read the vehicle owner's manual on how to install the car seat using the seat belt or LATCH system; and check height and weight limits.
• To maximize safety, keep your child in the car seat for as long as possible, as long as the child fits within the manufacturer's height and weight requirements.
• Keep your child in the back seat at least through age 12.
• Children under 1 should always ride in a rear-facing car seat.
• Keep your child rear-facing as long as possible. It's the best way to keep him or her safe, until they outgrow the seat by height and weight limitations.
• Keep your child in a forward-facing car seat with a harness until he or she reaches the height and weight limitation, usually ages 4-7.
• After your child outgrows the forward-facing seat, he or she should be in a booster seat from age 8-12 and still ride in the back seat.
• Once your child outgrows the booster seat, it is safe for him or her to wear an adult seat belt. Make sure that the lap belt lies snugly across the upper thighs, not the stomach and the shoulder belt should lie snug across the shoulder and chest, not across the neck or face.
(http://www.nhtsa.gov/Safety/CPS, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration-Child Safety)
The different types of carseats are listed below, remember to know the height and weight limitations as listed by manufacturers so you know when to upgrade to the next seat for your child's safety.
Rear-Facing Car Seat: is the best for a young child. It has a harness and in a crash, cradles and moves with your child reducing stress to the child's fragile neck and spinal cord.
Forward-Facing Car Seat: has a harness and tether that limits your child's forward movement during a crash.
Booster Seat: positions the seat belt so that it fits properly over the stronger parts of your child's body.
(http://www.nhtsa.gov/Safety/CPS, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration-Child Safety)
If you would like more information on child safety seats, mark your calendar for Child Passenger Safety Week from September 18-24, 2011. This is an annual campaign that creates awareness on how to properly secure children of all ages in the appropriate car seats, booster seats and seat belts. The ending day September 24 is National Check Saturday, where certified passenger safety technicians give advice and hands-on car seat inspections nationwide for free. For more information visit http://www.nhtsa.gov/Safety/CPS.
