When it comes to parenting, safety should always be a top priority, and with how busy everyone is these days, running errands and going to kids’ sporting events, that means parents need to be aware of how to keep their kids safe from defective car seats.
If you want to keep your child safe in case of an accident, these tips might help.
Back Seat Only
For children 12 and under, the back seat is the safest place to ride in the car. The reason for this is that the airbags in the front seat are designed for adults, so they won’t cushion a child properly. Using a car seat in the front seat can be especially dangerous, too, as the impact of the airbag could break the seat.
Follow the Instruction Manual
When you find and purchase the right car seat for your child, it’s critical that you read the instructions thoroughly. There is a lot of information that could affect the safety of your child, and reading the instructions is the only way to get that information. Once you read the car seat instructions, don’t stop there—read through your vehicle’s manual to see if there is anything you need to be aware of regarding car seat installation.
Secure Your Child, No Matter the Distance
It has almost become a cliché to say that most car accidents happen close to home, but that’s because it’s true. Even if you are just going a couple of blocks up the street, you need to make sure that your child is secured properly in their car seat. You never know what could happen.
Rethink Used Seats
Raising kids is expensive, so when your sibling offers to give you their child’s old car seat, you might think you’ve just saved hundreds of dollars. Unfortunately, using an old car seat could also be putting your child’s safety at risk. If you do decide to use a car seat that isn’t brand new, do the research to make sure that there haven’t been any recalls on the product.
Don’t Use Damaged Seats
Another thing to consider when accepting a used car seat is to make sure that it hasn’t been involved in an accident before. Damaged car seats can cause serious injury to your child, so if you can’t be positive whether a car seat has been involved in a wreck, don’t use it.
Car Seat Registration
When you buy a new car seat, be sure to register it. You should receive a card that you can fill out and send in, or try checking online. Registering your car seat will keep you updated on any recalls or manufacturer defects, which can help you keep your child safe.
Has Your Child Been Injured Because of a Defective Car Seat?
If your child has been hurt because of their car seat, don’t wait to take action. Get in touch with Pacin Levine Attorneys at Law to learn what your next steps should be.
