Right now I have two children…Lucy is 5 and Thomas is 2. Both are in car seats. At least 4 times a day I’m buckling or unbuckling a child from a car seat. it’s super annoying and I’ve pinched by finger more times than I’d like to admit. But at the end of the day I’d pinch my finger 100+ times if it meant keeping my children safe .As a personal injury attorney, I see the impact car accidents can have not only on the adult drivers, but the children as well. Our firm wants to highlight Child Passenger Safety Week! This is an annual event dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of keeping our youngest passengers safe while on the road.
Child Passenger Safety Week: What You Need to Know
Child Passenger Safety Week, typically observed in September, is a time when organizations, law enforcement agencies, and safety advocates come together to educate parents and caregivers about the importance of using proper child safety seats and seat belts. The week culminates in National Seat Check Saturday, where certified child passenger safety technicians provide free car seat inspections to ensure that seats are installed correctly.
Here are some tips that I came across to keep your kid safe:
- Choose the Right Car Seat: Ensure that you select the appropriate car seat based on your child’s age, weight, and height. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for installation and use.
- Keep Children Rear-Facing: The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends keeping children in rear-facing car seats until at least the age of 2 or until they reach the seat’s weight and height limits.
- Use Booster Seats: Transition children from car seats to booster seats when they outgrow the weight or height limits for car seats. Booster seats help position seat belts correctly for older children.
- Seat Belt Safety: Teach children about the importance of wearing seat belts as soon as they outgrow booster seats. Be a role model by always wearing your seat belt.
- Never Leave Children Unattended: Never leave children alone in a parked car, as it can be dangerous and is illegal in many states. Even a few minutes in a hot car can have tragic consequences.
- Educate Yourself: Stay informed about your state’s child passenger safety laws and guidelines to ensure compliance.
- Regular Inspections: Periodically check your child’s car seat for proper installation and make use of free inspections offered during Child Passenger Safety Week.
Child Passenger Safety Week serves as a reminder that protecting our youngest passengers is not only a moral obligation but also a legal one. By following these safety tips and staying informed about child passenger safety laws, you can help ensure the well-being of your child and avoid potential legal issues.