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Car Seat Safety
Why
Should I Use A Car Seat?
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The law in all 50 states, DC, PR and
the US Territories says that babies and children must ride in child
safety seats until they are old enough to wear safety belts.
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Motor vehicle crashes are a leading
cause of death for children ages 1-5 in the United States and correct
use of car seats could save many children's lives.
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In a crash or sudden stop, an
unbuckled adult holding a baby can crush the child into the windshield
or dashboard.
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In a 30-MPH crash, a 10-pound baby
could be ripped from a belted adult's arms with a force of almost 200
pounds, and hurled into the dashboard or windshield. No one is strong
enough to hold onto a child in a crash like that.
When Should I Use A Car Seat?
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Use a car seat EVERY TIME, on EVERY
TRIP!
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Do not make the deadly mistake of
using a car seat only on freeways or for long trips. Most car crashes
happen within 25 miles of home.
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If a child rides with friends,
relatives, or babysitters, be sure they have a correctly installed
safety seat and that they use it every time the child is in the car.
What
Kind of Car Seat Should I Use?
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Infants
up to 20 pounds should ride facing the rear of the vehicle in
infant-only or convertible safety seats (seats that convert from
rear-facing for infants to forward-facing for toddlers).
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Children
weighing about 20 to 40 pounds should ride facing forward in convertible
safety seats or harness systems.
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Children
who have outgrown their convertible seats for harness should ride in
booster seats until adult belts fit them properly.
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Never
allow children to place the shoulder part of the belt under their arms.
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Booster
seats may be either the small shield or belt-positioning type.
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Older
children may wear vehicle safety belts when the lap belt stays low and
snug across the hips without riding up over the stomach, and the
shoulder belt does not cross the face or front of the neck.
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Children
with special needs, such as those who are physically challenged, may
need special child safety restraints. Check with your child's doctor,
therapist, or local Easter Seal Society "KARS/Special KARS" program to
find out where you can get special restraints.
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An
approved child safety seat has a label that says: "This child restraint
system conforms to all applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety
Standards." This label is usually on the back of the seat.
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If you
plan to use the safety seat on airplanes, the label should also read,
"This restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft."
Where Should I Put the Car Seat?
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Do Not
place any rear-facing safety seat in the front seat of a vehicle with a
passenger-side airbag. A passenger-side airbag could strike the back of
the safety seat with a force that could seriously injure your baby.
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The back
seat is the safest place for any child safety seat.
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Never
let children ride in the bed of a truck, or sleep or play in the rear of
a station wagon without proper restraint. In a crash, they can be
thrown out of the vehicle.
How
Should I Install The Car Seat?
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Install
your car seat very carefully. Read your car seat instructions an your
vehicle owner's manual, and follow the directions word for word.
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You may
need a special locking clip to hold your vehicle safety belts in place
so you can anchor your safety seat properly.
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Check
your vehicle owner's manual to find out if you need a locking clip,
which should be available from your car dealer or child seat
manufacturer.
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Note: A
larger locking clip (also known as a "heavy-duty" locking clip) with a
special part number may be required for you to install a safety seat
correctly in some vehicles. Check your vehicle owner's manual to make
sure you are using the correct locking clip.
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If your
car has door-mounted safety belts, you will need to have your car dealer
install a special adapter belt to use with your child's safety seat.
Again, check your vehicle owner's manual to be sure.
Other Precautions
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Make
sure you position the car seat harness straps and clips correctly for
the size of your child. Many seats offer a choice of strap positions.
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Never
use a household baby carrier in place of a safety seat.
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Never
use a household booster seat, pillows, or telephone books to boost a
child in a vehicle.
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In an
emergency, any kind of restraint is better than no restraint.
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If your
child safety seat has been involved in a crash, you must replace it,
even if it looks like it is in good condition. Hidden crash damage can
severely weaken a car seat.
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Be sure
you get a copy of the instructions for the exact seat you own. Your
State Highway Safety Office or local public library can help you get the
manufacturer's address if you can't find it anywhere else.
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Complete
and return the registration card that comes with your new car seat.
This will allow the manufacturer to contact you in the case of a safety
recall.
Provided
by the Governor's Office of Highway Safety
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