Each year, parents and caregivers across the U.S. take part in Child Passenger Safety Week, which emphasizes the critical importance of making sure children are in the correct car seat for their size and age. Car crashes are a leading cause of death for children, and despite best efforts, many parents may not realize that their child’s car seat might be improperly installed or not the right fit. Studies show that approximately half of all car seats are not installed correctly. The stakes are too high to risk a “good enough” approach when it comes to your child’s safety in the car.
That’s why Child Passenger Safety Week in September serves as an important reminder to ensure your child’s seat is properly installed and registered. It’s a great time to double-check and make sure that your child has #TheRightSeat. A great way to ensure your child’s seat is in-spec, size appropriate & correctly installed is to consult with an expert or to contact your local non-emergency Police or Firehouse line for assistance:
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), children should always be in the right seat based on their size and age. Whether it’s a rear-facing seat, forward-facing seat, or booster seat, making sure your child is in the appropriate car seat is critical to their safety in the event of an accident.
One of the key messages during Child Passenger Safety Week is that you should not rush your child to the next stage seat until they are truly ready. Moving too quickly could leave your child vulnerable in a crash. For example, keeping your child in a rear-facing car seat as long as possible is the best way to protect their developing spine and neck.
As part of Child Passenger Safety Week, seat check Saturday on September 21st offers free car seat inspections by Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians across the country. Many parents and caregivers feel confident in their car seat installation, but an expert check can ensure your child’s seat is both properly installed and the right fit. To find an inspection station near you, visit NHTSA’s Car Seat Inspection page.
The right seat could save a child’s life, and these free inspections are a great way to make sure everything is installed correctly.
Parents and caregivers often face confusion when it comes to car seat installation. To help, here are a few critical tips to keep in mind:
As children grow, so do their car seat needs. Once they outgrow their forward-facing car seat, they’ll likely transition to a booster seat. Booster seats ensure the adult seat belt fits correctly across the strongest parts of the child’s body.
Many parents are tempted to skip the booster seat phase, but this can be dangerous. If your child isn’t tall enough for the seat belt to fit correctly, they could suffer serious injuries during a crash. Booster seats position the seat belt properly and are a critical step toward full passenger safety.
When your child is finally ready for a seat belt, it’s important to check that it fits correctly. The seat belt should lay snugly across the child’s upper thighs, not their stomach. The shoulder belt should also rest across the chest, not the neck.
One common mistake children can make is tucking the shoulder belt behind their backs. This move can leave them seriously injured in a crash, so it’s essential for caregivers to check that the seat belt is positioned correctly throughout their ride.
An often-overlooked step in car seat safety is registering the seat with the manufacturer. Registering ensures that if there is ever a safety recall, the manufacturer can notify you directly.
One easy way to stay on top of any potential recalls is by using NHTSA’s SaferCar app. The app allows you to store your vehicle and car seat information and sends you notifications in case a recall is issued for any of your equipment. This is a simple and effective way to stay proactive about your child’s safety.
Did you know that all states, including the District of Columbia and U.S. territories, have laws requiring children to be secured in the appropriate car seat for their size and age? Many states even require children to remain in booster seats up to age 9. These laws are in place to protect children from preventable injuries during crashes.
To check the specific car seat laws in your state, visit the Governor’s Highway Safety Association website.
Understanding the statistics surrounding child passenger safety can drive home the importance of securing your child in the right car seat. According to NHTSA’s most recent report, car crashes remain a leading cause of death for children in the U.S.
By adhering to the proper car seat guidelines, parents and caregivers can reduce the risk of injury or death in the event of a crash. For the latest statistics and state-specific data, visit the Children Traffic Safety Facts.
As part of Child Passenger Safety Week 2024, NHTSA provides a wealth of free resources to help parents and caregivers. You can access everything you need to know about car seats on the NHTSA website, including:
Ensuring your child has #TheRightSeat could be the difference between life and death in the event of an accident. Whether it’s making sure your car seat is correctly installed or ensuring your child stays in the appropriate seat for their age and size, every step you take is critical for their safety.
Child Passenger Safety Week is a time for parents and caregivers to focus on the most important aspect of traveling with children—keeping them safe. By ensuring your child is in #TheRightSeat and understanding the latest guidelines, you’re giving your child the best possible protection on the road. For more information and resources, be sure to visit NHTSA’s Child Safety Page.
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