Car Accidents and Child Passenger Safety
Car accidents claim the lives of many children every year and cause injuries to thousands more. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2021 alone, 710 children under the age of 13 were killed in vehicle crashes in the U.S., and over 100,000 were injured.
Shockingly, more than a third of these children who died were not properly restrained. Additionally, a Cars.com national survey revealed that 60% of parents have encountered challenges with car seat installation.
Expert Tips for Proper Car Seat Installation
In honor of National Child Passenger Safety Week and National Seat Check Saturday, Jenni Newman, a certified child safety seat technician at Cars.com, has shared her invaluable “dos and don’ts” for correctly installing car seats. Follow these guidelines to ensure your child’s safety on the road:
1. Tighten Straps Appropriately
Make sure to adjust the harness straps’ position as your child grows. For rear-facing seats, the shoulder straps should be located at or below the shoulders. When forward-facing, the straps should be positioned at or above the shoulders.
2. Delay Forward-Facing Seats
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends keeping your child in a rear-facing car seat for as long as possible to provide optimal protection for their head, neck, and spine in case of an accident. Only transition to forward-facing when your child reaches the height or weight limit specified by the car seat manufacturer.
3. Choose LATCH or Seatbelt, Not Both
When installing a car seat, either use the vehicle’s built-in seat belt or the LATCH system (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children). Using both does not add extra security. If you opt for the seatbelt, ensure the seat belt retractor is locked to prevent any movement of the seat.
4. Don’t Forget the Top Tether Anchor
Make sure to connect the top tether strap to the tether anchor for forward-facing car seats. This will limit your child’s head and neck movement in case of a collision. The top tether anchor is often overlooked but is crucial for enhanced safety.
5. Register Your Car Seat
Always remember to register your car seat. This allows the manufacturer to notify you in case of any recalls or safety issues. If you’ve lost the registration card, check the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s website for the online registration link.
6. Read the Manuals
Prior to installation, thoroughly read both the car seat manual and your car’s owner’s manual for precise instructions. Following the guidelines precisely is crucial for correct installation and optimal safety.
7. Seek Professional Help
If you’re uncertain about the correct installation of your child’s car seat, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. Certified child passenger safety technicians are available at local fire departments, police stations, and car dealerships. Schedule an appointment and bring along the necessary manuals, your car, and your child.
Car seat safety is of utmost importance when it comes to protecting our children during car rides. By following these expert tips, you can ensure your child’s safety and minimize the risk of injuries in the event of an accident.
For more health-related articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health.
Melissa Rudy is a health editor and member of the lifestyle team at Fox News Digital.
Denial of responsibility! Vigour Times is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
