Car Seat Safety Tips for California Drivers
Choosing your child’s safety seat may be one of the most important choices you will make in their younger years. Countless studies have been done testing the safety of each seat on the market, but it’s up to you to do the real research. According to internet sources, about 2,000 children under the age of 15 die each year because they are not properly restrained in their car seat or seatbelt. The proper choice for a car seat could save your child’s life as long as it is properly installed in your vehicle and used to the best of its capabilities.
When deciding on the right variety of car seat to purchase, do not decide on price alone. The highest price doesn’t mean the safest car seat. Do research online and read the reviews available on each maker’s website.
The following ate considered the “Golden Rules of Car Seat Safety”
- Every time a child is in the vehicle, they must be properly secured by a restraint device
- Never place a child in a rear-facing car seat in the front passenger-seat of a car
- Children under 13 are safest in the back seats of the car
- Be a good role-model to your children and buckle up each time you drive
- Read the instructions to each car seat you purchase. They are not all the same, and you must know how to properly use each model
- Fire Stations can help you properly install the child safety seat. Just stop by your local station and one of the staff will be happy to help you
- Car seats have an expiration date, so be sure yours is up-to-date!
- Read your car manual to find out proper installation for your child’s car seat
Remember to keep your infant child facing in the rear position until the child is at least 12 months or over 20 pounds. Not until they have met these requirements should they ever be turned facing forward. Child safety is very important to each parent, but taking the time to properly install and maintain each safety seat is important!
Image Credit: Infant Car Seat Ratings
Written by: Christi Gartner
