In today's highly mobile society, children travel more than ever. Sadly, this mobility comes at a staggering price. Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 13 in the U.S. Tragically, many of these deaths can been prevented with proper child restraint use. Research shows that properly used seat belts and safety seats are the most effective tools in preventing injuries and deaths in vehicle crashes.
Who:
Children should ride rear-facing until they outgrow the height or weight restrictions (whichever one comes first) for rear-facing in their specific child restraint.
What:
Rear-facing child safety seat
Why:
The rear-facing position supports the child's entire head, neck and spine and helps reduce stress to the neck and spinal cord in a crash.
Be Sure:
Harness straps are kept at or below the child’s shoulders when riding rear-facing. Check the car seat instructions to determine the correct harness slot that should be used as your child grows.
Installation:
Did you know that 3 out of 4 car seats are installed incorrectly? Be sure to read your vehicle owner's manual and car seat instruction manual before installing your safety seat. Here are some tips to remember as you install your seat:
Who:
Children who have reached the weight or height limits of their rear-facing seat can begin to ride forward-facing. Children should remain in a forward-facing seat with a harness until they have reached the weight or height limits of the seat.
What:
Forward-facing child safety seat
Why:
These seats include an internal harness system that keeps your child properly restrained limiting forward motion. The forward-facing position provides for the even distribution of physical forces over the child's body in the event of a crash.
Be Sure:
Harness straps are kept at or above the child’s shoulders when riding foward-facing. Check the car seat instructions to determine the correct harness slot that should be used as your child grows.
Installation:
Did you know that 3 out of 4 car seats are installed incorrectly? Be sure to read your vehicle owner's manual and car seat instruction manual before installing your safety seat. Here are some tips to remember as you install your seat:
Who:
Children can transition to a booster seat when they have outgrown the weight or height limit (whichever comes first) of their forward-facing child restraint.
What:
Belt-positioning booster seat. Use until child is tall enough for seat belt to fit properly. See: Stage 4.
Why:
Poorly fitting seat belts can injure children. Booster seats help ensure proper seat belt placement, resulting in a safer ride for your child.
Be Sure:
ALWAYS use both lap and shoulder belt with a booster seat, never a lap belt only. Make sure the lap belt fits low and tight across the hip bone area - NOT the abdomen. Shoulder belt should cross the chest and lay on the collarbone.
Installation:
Did you know that 3 out of 4 car seats are installed incorrectly? Be sure to read your vehicle owner's manual and car seat instruction manual before installing your safety seat. Here are some tips to remember as you install your seat:
When:
Child is tall enough to sit in vehicle with back against the seat and knees at a 90 degree angle while seated.
Why:
Motor-vehicle crashes are the No. 1 killer of children - including teenagers. Children under 13 years of age should be properly restrained in the back seat.
Be Sure:
ALWAYS require seat belt use for all passengers. Make sure the lap belt fits low and snug across the hip bones, NOT the abdomen. Shoulder belt should cross the chest and lay on collarbone.
The Back is Where It's At!
The back seat is safer for everyone - especially children under age 13. Properly restraining a child in the back seat can significantly reduce the risk of death or injury in a crash.