Research shows that seven out of ten times, parents do not install car seats properly. With the start of the New Year, we believe this is the perfect time to recommit yourself to your child’s safety, particularly in the car. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that over half of child injuries in car accidents could have been avoided with the use of age and size appropriate car seats.
At Spangenberg Shibley & Liber LLP, we want you and your family to stay safe. To help you and your family, here are some safety tips.
Current Issues to Address Now
Seat Too Loose
Check if your child’s seat is installed securely or if it is too
loose. To do this, grab the base of the seat, near the belt loop. Move
the seat. If it can shift more than an inch in any direction, it’s
too loose. By firmly securing the car seat, you can help prevent extensive
head and body injuries in the event of a crash.
Harness to Loose
The harness keeps your child in place in the seat. Once they are sitting
with the harness, pinch the strap to see if it is secure. If you’re
unable to pinch any excess webbing, it is tight enough. Loose harnesses
pose a serious danger because the child can slip out of the device and
face serious injuries.
Child Faces Forward Too Soon
When an infant first starts riding in a car, he or she must sit in a car
seat that is turned around, so that the child’s back faces forward.
Once the passenger reaches a certain age (usually 2 years), they can then
sit forward. However, parents too often allow their kids to sit forward
too soon. Check the instruction manual to determine the appropriate age
and size your child should be before turning them forward.
We hope these tips help protect you and your family. If you were involved in a car accident caused by negligence, contact our collision attorney in Cleveland for a free consultation.
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