Ensuring your families safety Beyond Insurance Part 4: Car Seat Safety
By: Mary Thompson, Capstone Brokerage President July 25, 2016
Many families take to the road or sky during summer for vacation. One safety concern for anyone with young children is the safety of the kids in the car or plane for travel. For many families with children still in car seats there are many things that should be addressed regularly. Getting the right car seat, installing it properly, and using it the right way is imperative to keeping your children safe. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), car crashes are the number one killer of children 1 to 12 years old in the United States, so using the right car seat to increase child car safety is critical.
How do you choose the “right” seat for your child?
There are so many options on the market today it can be overwhelming for parents. A child’s height and weight should be considered when deciding the best option for your family. Parents Central has created an easy to follow chart for recommendations for the best fit.
Things remember about car seat safety:
1. Pick a seat based on height, age, and weight of the child.
2. Keep children in the back seat until age 12.
3. Always refer to your specific seat manufacturer’s instructions as well as the vehicles owner’s manual to ensure the car seat is installed properly.
4. Keep the child in the car seat as long as possible. Rear facing until the child is at minimum 2 years old AND 20 pounds.
5. If the child fits within the manufacturer’s limits for height and weight of the seat keep them in it. For example: a child in a harness seat that meets the requirements of the seat should remain in the seat as long as possible before upgrading to a booster, EVEN if they meet the booster requirements. A harness is simply a safer option so use it as long as possible.
Do I need a car seat on the airplane?
While it is not required by airlines, it is recommended. An airplane seat is not designed for children. I always recommend traveling and utilizing a car seat on the plane. Not only is it more comfortable for the child it is also safer. A friend of mine who is a flight attendant said she has seen children during turbulence get injured because the airplane seat did not properly restrain the child.
Did you know your automobile insurance will replace a car seat that has been in an accident? It is part of your coverage. If you have been in an accident with a car seat in your car, contact your insurance company or broker immediately to be advised on what to do, DO NOT use the seat again. Next month I will dive into this topic even further with keeping your child safe in the car and how to properly secure your child in the seat and some helpful tips on being a safe driver with a child on board.
