Tom's Blog
More than a thousand children, age 12 and younger, die in passenger car crashes every year, and more than 100,000 are injured. Each and every time you get into your vehicle with a child, it is imperative that car safety seats are properly installed in the car. You can reduce the risk of death and injuries by properly securing your child in the back seat and knowing basic information on how to keep your child safe in a crash.
Front Seats are a Forbidden Danger!
It is never safe to travel with a child on your lap in the front seat! Car crashes happen so quickly and with such intense force, there is no way anybody could protect a child from hitting the interior of the vehicle or airbag. Airbags can be especially threatening if a crash ensues, resulting in the child or car seat being hit. Regardless of the age of the child, they should be seated in the back seat at all times for safety purposes.
Basic Types of Car Seats
Before you invest in a car seat, you should know the different types so you can make the best purchase for the age and size of your child. Below are the basic types of car seats that are designed for the back seat of a passenger vehicle.
- Rear facing infant seats– designed for infants
- Forward facing child seats
- Convertible seats (either rear or forward facing)
- Booster seats– designed for children who have outgrown their child seat but not yet big enough for adult seat belts
Prepare for Proper Installation
Since September 2002, passenger vehicles are obligated to have special anchors and all car seats are designed to have special attachments (latch) that fit into them. This is designed to ensure safety and stability for the installation of the car seat into the passenger car. Keep in mind though, that car seat and seating positions WITHOUT A LATCH SYSTEM can still be safe if you are using the vehicle seat belt system correctly.
One important aspect to remember about proper installation of car seats into your passenger vehicle is that not all car seats are compatible with all cars. Just because one car seat fits comfortably and securely in one car does not mean it will fit comfortably and securely in your car. Before you purchase your car seat, make sure you put it into your vehicle to ensure compatibility.
Do Your Homework!
After purchasing your car seat, always make sure you read the vehicle owner’s manual and car seat installation instructions to ensure you are doing everything correctly and safely. Better safe than sorry!
If you are still unsure, there may be inspection stations in your area that are available for you to stop in to make sure your car seat is properly and safely installed. In addition, you may also visit your local hospital, fire station, or car dealership for further assistance.
Safety First!
Car crashes happen quickly so before you leave your home, make sure your child is safe and secured in his/her car seat that is installed properly in your vehicle. Your child’s safety is up to YOU!
