Car Seat Safety - Overview

Over the next couple of days, we will be covering Car Seat Safety for children.  As we found out during our research into the topic, lots of folks have distinctive view on what is and what they believe is right.  In general, we would consider that fine – but large percentages are putting their children and selves at risk.

As with most of our articles in July and with those planned for August are on Safety – Central Theme Safety First!

Infant and child car seats save lives. The laws in each state are different. Most states require them for all children under age 4 and those weighing less than 40 pound. But some states require car seats to be used for children up to age 6 or 60 pounds.

A child who is not in a car seat can be seriously injured or killed during a crash or an abrupt stop, even at low speeds. A parent's arms are not strong enough to hold and protect a baby during a car accident. Many unrestrained children die because they are torn from an adult's arms during an accident.

Here are some sobering statistics for parents: Motor vehicle crashes kill more children ages 14 and under than anything else, claiming nearly 2,400 lives and resulting in approximately 270,000 injuries each year. The vast majority of those crashes occur within 25 miles of home, and most occur on roads with posted speed limits of 40 mph or less. (edmunds.com)

The key to keeping your child safe when riding in a car is to use an age-appropriate child restraint that is properly installed and properly used. Proper restraints for your child when riding in a car depend on his age and size. (Children’s Hospital)

Perhaps the most important investment you can make in your child's future is a child safety seat. A child safety seat prevents your child from being thrown about or out of the vehicle.  Most communities have free Care Seat Safety Inspections- so find one close to your home and have them inspected!

Please take a few minutes to take the quiz and join us tomorrow for part two of this series.  Thank you.

http://pediatrics.about.com/cs/quizzes/l/bl_car_seat_qz.htm

References and good links:

1.       Consumer Reports.org http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/babies-kids/baby-toddler/car-seats/index.htm

2.       http://www.car-safety.org/faq.html

3.       A wide variety of training programs are available on child passenger safety.

4.    National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (www.nhtsa.gov)