Car seat safety is a crucial part of overall driving safety and can reduce the number of injuries to children each year. The following are some of the best car seat safety practices you can use if you want to ensure your children’s wellness while driving:
1. Use the proper car seat.
The first car seat safety best practice is to make sure that you have the right car seat. Using the wrong size or type can put your little ones in the same danger as if you used no car seat. Visit the page of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to get updated information on car seat safety and the ages and sizes at which children should be placed in them.
2. Do not skip car seat usage.
You might be tempted to drive without putting your little one in the car seat. Some people do this because they forget the car seat, and some do it because they don’t feel like putting forth a little extra effort. The NHTSA says that 325 children under five years old get saved each year because of people who take the time to do a little extra. Accidents are unpredictable and are not always your fault. Thus, you should always keep your child in the seat to ensure that he or she is protected even if an accident sneaks up on your family.
3. Know how to use the car seat.
Gather as much education as you can about proper car seat usage and care. The owner’s manual will have a lot of information inside of it about how to care for it before and after you use it. It may also provide you with basic instructions about how to put it into the car and sit your child in it appropriately. You may also search for tutorial videos that may provide you with a more in-depth explanation.
Don’t hesitate to telephone or email the manufacturer if you have any questions or concerns about the materials or the operational instructions on the product. It’s better to ask and find out now than be clueless on the road.
4. Inspect your car seat for damage regularly.
Another task you should do regularly is to visually inspect all car seats. Do this before you leave for a trip, and look for tears, cracks, and any other issues that could affect the unit’s stability if an accident occurs.
Some defects may be covered by your manufacturer’s warranty, while other issues will require you to replace the car seat. Fortunately, you can find new and used car seats at a variety of locations. You may even have access to a special program to help you get a car seat if you’re short on funds.
How do you use a car seat safely? Take your time, and do it right. It only takes a short time to get everyone buckled up, including your children. Take the time to use the equipment wisely so that you and your family members can be a positive statistic instead of a negative one.