According to the National Highway Transportation and Safety Administration as many as three out of four child safety seats are installed improperly. Failure to read the child safety seat instructions, in addition to vehicle owner’s manual instructions regarding installation, could result in serious injury or death as a result of a failure of the child safety seat to be securely and/or properly restrained.
It is important to remember these guidelines for selecting and installing a child safety seat.
*It must be appropriate for your child’s age, height and weight.
*It must fit tightly into your vehicle and not move more than 1 inch from side to side and front to back. The back seat is the best place for the child safety seat.
*Always refer to the child safety seat instructions and vehicle manufacturer’s instructions for weight limits, proper use and installation.
*Avoid seats that are too old. All manufacturers are required to include the model number and manufacture date on each seat they produce. It can be found on a label attached to the restraint usually on the bottom or the side of the seat. Most manufacturers recommend replacing any child safety seat after more than six years.
*New child safety seats have a registration card. Register your child’s safety seat with the manufacturer so you can be notified of any recall. To register, mail your registration card to the manufacturer, or register on the manufacturer’s website.
*All children younger than 13 should ride in the back seat.
National Child Passenger Safety Week is an annual campaign to bring public attention to the importance of properly securing all children in appropriate child safety seats, booster seats, or seat belts – every trip, every time. For more information or to schedule a free child seat inspection with the Collier County Sheriff’s Office call 239.252.0367.
