The Right Seat Isn’t The Only Thing Keeping Your Kids Safe! Let’s Talk About Child Passenger Safety Week!

If you are a parent, it is very likely that you have spent countless hours researching your new baby’s car seat, or which car seat you need to buy next as your child grows and grows. I know that my son is constantly growing it seems, and sometimes I look at him and think maybe he is getting to that age where he doesn’t need a seat. But that just isn’t the case. Many parents take their kids out of a car seat or booster seat way too early. While a good car seat is vital for protecting your child in the event of a crash, it is not enough on its own. Even the best car seats cannot force you to properly install them or buckle your child in.

Every 33 seconds one child under age 13 is involved in a car crash— but safety seats, if used correctly and installed correctly, dramatically reduce the risk of fatality or injury to children.

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Is Your Child In The Right Seat?:

• Your child under age 1 should always ride in a rear-facing car seat.
• Children ages 1-3 should be kept rear-facing as long as possible.
• Keep your child in the back seat at least through age 12.
• Be certain you’ve installed your car seat correctly by having it checked at an inspection station or by a certified child passenger safety technician. Bring the Car Seat Instructions AND the Vehicle Owner’s Manual with you to a seat check appointment!

Is Your Seat Installed Properly?:

• Installation Resources:If a car seat is not installed correctly, your child’s safety could be in danger. Every car seat has different installation instructions. You can find resources and tips here to help you get “the right fit” on your car seats:     http://www.safercar.gov/parents/RightFit.htm
• Free Car Seat Checks: During Child Passenger Safety Week, there will be more than 600 events in 45 states across the country, where certified child passenger safety technicians will inspect car seats and show parents and caregivers how to correctly install and use them. In most cases, this service is free of charge.  Locate a car seat check event here:http://www.safercar.gov/cpsApp/cps/index.htm

As a parent, you are your kids’ strongest influence when it comes to modeling safe driving practices, including buckling up every time you get in the car. Teach your family that safety is the responsibility of all passengers as well as the driver.

Get this message out to your friends and family!

• Twitter – Many parents do not realize their child is in the wrong car seat. Visit gov/TheRightSeatand make sure your child is riding safely. #therightseat.
• Facebook – Storks know how to keep kids safe. Do you? Visit safercar.gov/therightseat to know for sure that your child is in the right seat for their age and size. #STORKS #TheRightSeat