Car Safety Seat Misuse

Car Safety Seat Misuse

In many jurisdictions around North America, motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for children ages 4 to 14. Further, many of these deaths are due to car safety seat misuse. Many caregivers are in a false sense of security because their baby is in a car seat, but if that car seat is being misused, the baby is not safer than without a car seat.

Installation

The most common problem is a car seat that is not installed properly. Make sure you follow the manufacturers instructions. You should also consider going to a clinic in your area, where professionals will help you ensure that the installation was done properly. Check for a clinic in your area by doing a search on the internet. Here is one example of a helpful site that I found. Car Seat Installation Tips. If you live in the United States, here is a site that will help you find a local Child Safety Seat Inspection Station.

Buying a Used Car Safety Seat

Have you purchased, or are you considering a used car seat? Ask if it has been in an accident. A seat that has been involved in a wreck can stretch and become ineffective. Car seats are designed for one accident in one vehicle, which is also true for a vehicle’s seatbelts.

Another factor when getting a used car seat is to make sure the original factory stickers are still intact. These stickers help you check recall lists. From time to time a manufacturer will find defects in their manufacturing processes and they will issue a recall for a particular model. If you buy one of these defective seats, you are risking your baby's safety.

Just before you go, here is one more useful Car Safety Seat site.

As well, see our article Car Seat Deadly Mistakes.

Yours in parenthood, Grandpa Richard.

News about Car Seat Safety

These news items are supplied by "Yahoo! News". You can visit them at http://news.yahoo.com/.

• Car safety seat roundup -- earn $5
  Car safety seats, which are required by law for infants and young children, aren't safe under the following conditions:
  


• New parents learn about car seat safety
  The program by the Children's Board Family Resource Centers hopes to help with getting the right car seat and installing it correctly.
  


• Is Your Child Riding Safely?
  Check out your child’s car seat or booster seat at one of these safety seat checks co-sponsored by WIC of Oswego County. All events are free and open to the public. Continue reading →
  


• Car seat safety inspection slated
  CRYSTAL LAKE – The Crystal Lake Police Department has partnered with McHenry County Safe Kids and McHenry County Sheriff’s Department to host a free car seat safety inspection Saturday.
  


• Child car seat safety tips
  Did you know three out of four car seats are used incorrectly? Safety expert Mark McCracken from SAFER New Mexico Now shares tips on how to keep your children safe.
  


• 2012 GMC Terrain: Car Seat Check
  The GMC Terrain is a five-seat crossover and a boxier version of its corporate twin, the Chevrolet Equinox. Although it looks like a truck-based SUV, the Terrain is built on a car platform and has a comfortable ride, thanks to...
  


• Car seat safety clinic set Feb. 12 at SBLHC
  MATTOON - To ensure that a baby or child is being transported in the safest way possible, Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center, along with the Mattoon Police Department, will host a Safe & Snug Ca