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How safe is your car seat?

Posted by David Nemeroff | Sep 03, 2011 | 0 Comments

In the US motor vehicle accidents are the number one cause of childhood fatalities and permanent lifelong disability. The child mortality and morbidity rates in car accident have decreased significantly due to tougher laws and education programs regarding car seat use. Although these have decreased the rates, many children die or are seriously injured in car accidents each year.

What is amazing to me is that numerous studies have shown that seven out of 10 car seats are installed improperly. Overwhelming statistics have reported that both improper use of car seats and child restraints has played a major role in injuries and child fatalities from car accidents. Let's take a look at some car seat recommendations from the experts the AAP (American College of Pediatrics). As parents. If we incorporate some basic safety measures we can protect our children from the number one killer in our nation. That is automobile and car accidents.

Have you ever been to your local store to select a car seat? It can be an overwhelming experience. You must first select the appropriate model or type of car seat for your child's age, height and weight. Infants should always be placed in an infant carrier. They can accommodate an infant up to22 pounds. The infant carrier should be used installed in a rear-facing position. According to the AAP (American College of Pediatrics) they recommend that until two years of age, children should be placed in a rear facing. The car seat should have a five-point restraint.

What happens when our children become toddlers? Studies have shown that parents tend to be less consistent with the use of booster seats. It is the law that booster seats are used for children from the age range of 4 to 8. In some instances the child may be older. If your child is under 4 feet, 9 inches, and 80 pounds they need to utilize a booster seat. It does not matter the age of the child, this is the law. Never put a child under the age of 13 or 80 lbs. in the front seat. The air bags are effective at saving lives, but they are powerful. After impact, if they are deployed they can crush a child causing seriuos injuries or death.

Now that we have selected the appropriate car seat, it needs to be installed. The car seat requires proper installation. After removing the car seat from its box, read the car seat instructions carefully before installing the car seat. If you have any questions, hire an expert. We take extreme caution with so many things, take the time to have a professional check to ensure the seat is installed correctly. You can start at your local police stations. Many police stations will check and install the car seat for free. You can use www.seatcheck.org to find a car or safety seat inspection site. If possible, you should avoid buying a used child car seat. Car seats can be expensive; they can also save a child's life. If you must use a previously owned car seat, make sure that it has never been in an accident. Also make sure that it has all the required parts. Never use a car seat that is over five years old.

As a parent, we need to set an example. Every time we drive our cars, we need to use our seatbelts. All the experts and studies reveal that wearing a seatbelt reduces the likelihood of child fatalities and permanent disabilities resulting from a car accident. Whether you are driving cross country or around the corner, children should be in the appropriate car seat and all passengers should be wearing seatbelts. Buckle up, it's the law.

Every day children in Illinois are injured or killed because of the negligent actions of others. Approximately, 2,500 children are killed in accidents or die from an unintentional injury every day. More than that are left with life-long permanent disabilities. Many of these accidents can lead to death or severe disability. Personal injury lawsuits can be filed on behalf of children. It doesn't matter if the injury is caused by a health care provider, a defective product, car or automobile accident, any individual or corporation that injures a child is accountable for their actions.

About the Author

David Nemeroff

David Nemeroff was voted one of the Top 100 Lawyers in the entire state of Illinois (out of 83,000 lawyers) by Super Lawyers Magazine...

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