Keep Your Precious Cargo Safe: Use Properly Secured Child Safety Seats

The overall use of vehicle child safety seats has risen dramatically over the past 20 years.  While child safety seats help save lives, they are not as effective if used improperly.  That is why it is important to make sure that safety seats are handled correctly. 

When installing the safety seat, it is important to closely follow the instructions that came with the seat.  It is also necessary to check the vehicle’s owner’s manual for additional child seat installation guidelines.

Keep these tips in mind when transporting small children:

• Fasten children 12 months or younger in rear-facing safety seats in the back seat, out of danger of inflating airbags.  If traveling in a vehicle without a backseat, turn off the airbag if possible.
• Secure all children under the age of four in child safety seats in the back seat of the vehicle.
• Use booster seats for older children that position the lap/shoulder belt correctly, away from the child’s face and neck.
• Tighten and thread safety belts through proper paths to hold child safety seats in place. Straps should move no more than one inch at the base.
• Fasten the retainer clip at armpit level and tighten straps enough to allow room for only one finger under the strap.

Remember safety seat regulations vary from state to state, so check with local law enforcement officials to make sure you are meeting state regulations.

For more information on the proper use of child safety seats, or to find a listing of local child safety seat technicians who will check for proper seat installation, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration  website.  On that site you can also find information about specific state laws.

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