Car Seat Safety Tips for Child Passenger Safety Week
Child Passenger Safety Week is September 18th-24th.
AAMCO | 09/19/2016Child Passenger Safety Week is September 18th-24th. At AAMCO, keeping your family safe on the road is always our highest priority, especially when it comes to protecting your children while driving.
According to statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, car crashes are one of the leading causes of injury and death for children 0-13 years old. By adhering to the following safety information on the proper installation and use of child safety seats, booster seats and seat belts, many injuries and deaths can be prevented.
A children’s car seat is important for protecting your child on the road, as long as the seat is properly installed. First, it’s important that you select the right seat for your child based on their age, height and weight. There are several types of seats: infant, convertible and booster seats. It is also imperative to know when it’s time to transition your child into the next stage car seat.
Be sure to read the car seat manufacturer’s instructions to double check height and weight limits for the seat. Please note that different stage seats can vary greatly in how they get attached to your car’s back seat.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) you should:
- Select a car seat based on your child’s age and size, and choose a seat that fits in your vehicle and use it every time.
- Always refer to your specific car seat manufacturer’s instructions (check height and weight limits) and read the vehicle owner’s manual on how to install the car seat using the seat belt or lower anchors and a tether, if available.
- To maximize safety, keep your child in the car seat for as long as possible, as long as the child fits within the manufacturer’s height and weight requirements.
- Keep your child in the back seat at least through age 12.
Often times, an adjustment as simple as tightening a strap or the repositioning of the seat could be the difference between your child’s safety or having them sustain an injury in a potential crash situation.
Your local AAMCO wants you and your family to be safe every time you drive your vehicle. Should you be experiencing any drivability issues, please stop in to one of our centers or make an appointment today. Visit safercar.gov, for additional information about car seat safety and proper installation.