Child Passenger Safety Week: A Properly Installed Car Seat is Critical to Your Child’s Safety
Traffic accidents are tragically the number one cause of death for children. Having your child ride in an age appropriate and properly installed car seat can greatly reduce the risk of injury or death in the event of an accident. In light of the recent Child Passenger Safety Week, we are taking a closer look at car seat installation. Every parent will remember installing their new baby's infant seat in the car for the first time. It can be stressful and confusing if you are not sure what to do or whether you are doing it correctly.
Take a look at some car seat installation tips, among others, to help ensure your child's safety:
Read the Manual
This may seem like an obvious first step, but many parents attempt to bypass the instruction manual and proceed directly to figuring the seat out on their own. It is vital that you always start with two manuals—the car seat manual and your vehicle's manual. The car seat manual will walk you through getting the seat ready for install then explain the proper installation options. Many car seats can be installed using either the Lower Anchors and Tether for Children (LATCH) system or the seat belt.
Your car seat manual will explain how to install the seat using either option and ensure the seatbelt is locked or the LATCH system is tight. Most car seat manufacturers will recommend going with whatever installation method provides the tightest installation. Do not overlook reading your car's safety manual because your vehicle might be designed to have a car seat installed in a certain place or using a certain method. Always be sure car seats are secured in the back seat. Infant seats can only be installed rear-facing.
Check the Angle
Once you have the base of the seat or the entirety of the convertible seat installed tightly, with the seat not moving more than one inch in any direction, be sure that the angle is correct. Most car seats will come with an angle indicator on the side that should easily allow you to ensure the proper angle. If your seat does not, consult with a car seat technician.
Tighten the Straps
Many parents are surprised to learn that their child has been riding in a seat with the straps too loose. The straps should sit snugly against your child's chest and not leave enough room for the child to pull an arm out or move around. If you have any concerns or questions about your car seat's installation, find a child passenger safety technician near you.
Montlick and Associates, Attorneys at Law: Put Our Over 39 Years of Experience to Work on Your Automobile Accident Case!
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, the Georgia Automobile Accident Attorneys at Montlick and Associates, Attorneys at Law, are here to help. Our firm has over 39 years of experience in the industry, including assisting the youngest car accident victims. We accept cases across Georgia and in the Southeast. The sooner you act after your accident, the greater your chances of obtaining a full recovery for your injuries. As such, seek legal assistance as soon as possible. Call Montlick & Associates, Attorneys at Law, 24 hours a day/7 days a week for your Free Consultation at 1-800-LAW-NEED (1-800-529-6333). You can also visit us online at www.montlick.com and use our Free Case Evaluation Form or 24-hour Live Online Chat. Also, feel free to check out our website to learn more about your many community safety initiatives.