car seat safety check
Why are some parents not using car seats for there children?
three days ago I saw a man driving with two little boys laying down in the back of a truck as they merge on to the freeway.. I then saw a lady with four kids siting in the back of the truck.. and then yesterday I saw a lady with a small boy (5ish) in the front Passenger side of her car. I live in a very large city.. How is it the people don’t understand that they can improve the safety of there children by restraining them properly in the right type of car seats….I have 4 kids all in carseats all ways and we live pay check to pay check
B/c they don’t think anything will happen to them. Also, most of us parents that DO use seats, think we’re using them correclty when in truth over 80% of seats are installed/used incorrectly and won’t protect the kids in them! Also, we parents frequently turn to the wrong places to get car seats advice (pediatricians, grandparents, babies r us staff, etc) and don’t stop to see what the facts are. This is why every day I see 1 year olds and younger in forward facing seats, 2 and 3 years olds in boosters, 4-6 year olds in seatbelts alone. To a poster above – YES the average child does need a booster to age 8-10 years old. My sister just got out of one at her 10th birthday. And its not about being embarrassed – its about safety. Staying alive trumps being embarrassed every time.
Kids should stay rear facing as long as possible, preferably for at least 2 years, but definitely until they have reached the weight limit of a rear facing convertible seat (30-35lbs)
Kids should stay harnessed as long as possible – preferably to at least 5-6 years old, but the bar eminimum for booster use is 4 years and 40lbs.
Kids should stay in a booster until they are 4′9″ tall, 80lbs, and pass this 5 step test:
1. Does the child sit all the way back against the auto seat?
2. Do the child’s knees bend comfortably at the edge of the auto seat?
3. Does the belt cross the shoulder between the neck and arm?
4. Is the lap belt as low as possible, touching the thighs?
5. Can the child stay seated like this for the whole trip?
And there’s the parents that DO put their kids in seats, but don’t install them right: using mighty tites, aftermarket covers/harness covers, liners and such.
Choose carefully, emphasize safety for teen’s first car
With a bit of homework, you can prepare yourself and your new driver to be safe, and choose an appropriate vehicle.
