Car Seat Safety Tips
Car crashes are the #1 preventable cause of death of children and young adults.
They are also a major cause of permanent brain damage, epilepsy, and spinal cord injuries. Many of the deaths and injuries can be prevented with the proper use of child restraints and seat belts.
KNOW THE LAW
Set to go into effect in 2017, children are required to rear-face until age 2. The new law does not apply to children who weigh more than 40 pounds or are 40 inches or taller.
Children under age 8 must be properly buckled into a car seat or booster in the back seat.
Children age 8 or older or 4’9” in height may use the vehicle seat belt if it fits properly with the lap belt low on the hips, touching the upper thighs, and the shoulder belt crossing the center of the chest. If children are not tall enough for proper belt fit, they must ride in a booster or car seat.
KNOW THE STAGES
Stage 1: Rear-facing car seat
Facing the rear is the safest way for a baby or toddler to ride. Keep toddlers in a rear-facing convertible car seat at least until age 2, or until they reach the maximum weight or height for their seat. The harness straps should be snug and placed at or below the shoulder level.
Stage 2: Forward-facing car seat with harness
Children should use a forward-facing car seat for as long as possible, up to the highest weight or height allowed by the manufacturer. The harness straps should be snug and placed at or above the shoulder level.
Stage 3: Booster seat with lap-shoulder belt
All children must use a booster seat until the seat belt fits properly. Most children need to ride in a booster seat from about age 4 until age 10-12.
Stage 4: Lap-shoulder belt
All children younger than 13 should ride in the back seat. The shoulder belt must lie across the chest (not touching the neck or throat). The lap belt must be low across the upper thighs (not touching the stomach).
KNOW WHERE TO GET MORE INFORMATION
CHOC certified child passenger safety technicians are available to answer car seat questions regarding current laws, how to select an appropriate seat for your child, and what you need to know to install and use the child restraint correctly. For more information, contact CHOC’s Community Education department at 714-509-8887.
Does your child have special needs?
