Automotive accidents are a number one reason for dying for teenagers. In 2021, 710 youngsters within the U.S. below the age of 13 have been killed in car crashes, and greater than 100,000 have been injured, in accordance with the Nationwide Freeway Visitors Security Administration.
Amongst those that died, greater than a 3rd of the children weren’t correctly restrained. And in a nationwide survey by Automobiles.com, 60% of oldsters stated they’ve struggled with automobile seat set up.
To mark Nationwide Youngster Passenger Security Week and Nationwide Seat Test Saturday, Automobiles.com’s licensed youngster security seat technician, Jenni Newman, shared with Fox Information Digital her “dos and don’ts” for correct automobile seat set up.
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Learn on for these essential ideas.
DO tighten straps as wanted
“As your youngster grows, you’ll want to regulate the harness straps’ location in toddler seats, convertible seats and mixture seats,” stated Newman, who is predicated in Chicago.
A toddler in a rear-facing seat ought to have the harness straps positioned at or beneath the shoulders, she suggested. When forward-facing, the straps needs to be at or above the shoulders.
“As your youngster grows, you’ll want to regulate the harness straps’ location in toddler seats, convertible seats and mixture seats,” Newman stated. (iStock)
DON’T flip the automobile seats round too quickly
It’s essential for fogeys to know when to go from rear-facing to forward-facing, Newman stated.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that youngsters’s automobile seats stay rear-facing so long as attainable to higher shield the top, neck and spine within the occasion of an accident.
Automobiles.com’s licensed youngster security seat technician (not pictured) shared with Fox Information Digital her “dos and don’ts” for correct automobile seat set up. Among the many ideas: Do not flip a baby’s automobile seat round too quickly. (Automobiles.com)
“Preserve your youngster rear-facing till they attain the automobile seat’s peak or weight restrict,” Newman stated.
DON’T use each: Select the latch OR the seatbelt
Youngster automobile seats might be put in utilizing both the car’s built-in seat belt or the LATCH system (Decrease Anchors and Tethers for Youngsters).
Since 1999, federal regulation has required prime tether anchors in new automobiles and prime tether straps on all front-facing youngster seats, in accordance with Shopper Experiences.
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Since 2000, decrease anchors have been required in nearly all automobiles and light-weight vehicles, and all automobile seats made on or after Sept. 1, 2002 have the corresponding hooks.
Some mother and father assume utilizing each the LATCH system and the seatbelt will add safety — however Newman stated that’s not true.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that youngsters’s automobile seats stay rear-facing so long as attainable to higher shield the top, neck and spine within the occasion of an accident. (Automobiles.com)
“Select one choice and go along with it,” she stated.
“For those who select to put in by way of the seatbelt, be sure that to observe the additional step of locking the seat belt retractor to stop the seat from shifting round.”
DO bear in mind the highest tether anchor
The highest tether anchor is usually forgotten as a result of it’s normally on a seat again or someplace not as seen because the decrease anchors, Newman famous.
Youngster automobile seats might be put in utilizing both the car’s built-in seat belt or the LATCH system (Decrease Anchors and Tethers for Youngsters). (Automobiles.com)
“For forward-facing automobile seats, it’s important to attach the tether strap to the tether anchor,” she stated.
“This limits a baby’s head and neck motion within the occasion of a crash.”
DO register your automobile seat
It may be straightforward to miss the small registration card that comes with each new automobile seat, however Newman stated it’s an essential instrument in preserving your youngster secure.
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“Registering your automobile seat permits the car-seat producer to provide you with a warning within the occasion of a recall,” she famous.
For those who’ve misplaced the registration card — or in the event you’re undecided whether or not you registered the seat — The Nationwide Freeway Visitors Security Administration has a instrument that gives the net registration hyperlink for every car-seat maker.
DO learn the handbook
“Prior to installing a automobile seat, be sure that to learn each the automobile seat handbook and the automobile proprietor’s handbook for some assist,” Newman stated.
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“Make sure you learn by each completely and observe the directions to the letter.”
DON’T be afraid to ask for assist
“For those who’re uncertain in the event you’ve put in your youngster’s automobile seat accurately, get assist,” Newman stated.
You’ll typically have the ability to discover a licensed youngster passenger security tech at a neighborhood hearth division, police station or automobile dealership, she instructed.
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“Seat checks are free, however be sure that to convey your automobile seat’s proprietor’s handbook, automobile’s proprietor’s handbook and your youngster or youngsters,” she suggested.
“We advocate calling beforehand to make an appointment and ensure a technician is on web site.”
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