Get the Right Car Seat — Car Passenger Safety Week is September 14-20

Car Safety

Child Passenger Safety Week is September 14-20 and anyone with a child in a car seat is encouraged to visit SaferCar.gov/TheRightSeat to determine if YOUR child is in the right seat for his or her age and size. Car seat check events are planned across the country if you are unsure about your car seat. You may also register your child’s car seat with the manufacturer to be informed in the event of a recall.

Because each seat has different installation instructions, you can also get resources and tips on having the right fit for your car seat.

Research shows that three out of every four car seats are not used correctly, meaning the child is not in the correct car seat for their age, height and weight, or the car seat is not installed correctly. In 2012, over one third (37%) of children killed in car crashes were not in car seats or wearing seat belts.

To locate a Certified Child Passenger Safety technician in your area, go to safercar.gov/therightseat or download the free SaferCar app from the iTunes App Store.

Here are a few tips from SaferCar.gov:

Car Seat Safety Tips:

  • Find a car seat that fits your child. As children grow, how they sit in your car will change. Make sure the car seat you purchase is designed to fit your child’s current size and age.
  • Not all car seats fit in all vehicles so test the car seat you plan to buy to make sure it fits well in your vehicle.
  • Before putting your child in a car seat, read the manufacturer’s instructions so you know how your car seat works.
  • All-in-One car seats offer you the advantage of using the same seat for the following positions: rear-facing, forward-facing with harness, then booster. These seats typically have higher height and weight limits for the rear-facing position, allowing you to keep your child rear-facing for a longer period of time.
  • Remember, the best car seat is the one that fits your child properly, is easy to use, and fits in your vehicle correctly. The information here can help you choose the right seat for your child. Keep in mind that:

o   Your child under age 1 should always ride in a rear-facing car seat.

o   Children ages 1-3 should be kept rear-facing as long as possible.

o   Keep your child in the back seat at least through age 12.

o   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!

For more information, head over to SaferCar.gov.

In Support of the Ad Council and The Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

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