Seat belts and car seats can be life savers. The National Center for Injury Prevention and Control reported in 1996 that 62% of motor vehicle occupants' ages 0 through 14 fatally injured in automobile accidents were unrestrained. Most states have laws requiring all riders to where a seat belt.
In order to ensure the best protection, seat belts and car seats must be used correctly.
Infants (birth to 20 pounds and one year old)
The infant car seat should be located in the back seat of the vehicle and face the rear of the automobile. The seat needs to be secured with a seatbelt and placed in the seat of the car. Follow the manufacturer's instructions exactly. Do not use blankets or a pillow to prop the child up. Never place an infant in a car seat in the front seat of a car.
Toddlers (20 to 40 pounds and up to 4 years old)
The car seat should be placed in the back seat. However, it should face forward instead of backwards like the infant. A toddler should ride in a car seat for as long as the child fits in the seat. Their ears should be below the top of the back of the seat and shoulders below the seat strap slots.
Children (40 to 60 pounds)
Every state has their own laws regarding when children may begin using safety belts. Children who exceed 40 pounds and are taller than 40 inches can use a booster seat with a lap and shoulder belt. Make sure the child's head is not taller than the backseat of the car. The child can sit in the seat of the car, when the lap and shoulder belt are able to fit properly.
Shoulder Belts
A lap/shoulder belt is much more effective than a lap belt alone. The shoulder belt is instrumental in preventing injuries from the forward motion that results from a head-on crash. The shoulder belt should mainly lie across the shoulder but may touch the base of the neck. Do not place the shoulder belt behind you or under your arm. If your car only has lap belts in the rear seats, consider installing lap/shoulder belts instead. New seatbelts can be installed for a small cost and can save lives. Check with your car manufacturer about your car's capabilities.
Experts believe most injuries can be prevented through use of child safety seat and lap/shoulder belts. If you have been in an accident where your child's safety seat or lap/shoulder belt was defective, you may be entitled to compensation. Visit the professionals at http://www.racinepersonalinjurylawyer.com today.
