Important information regarding car seats and belt positioning booster seats
Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for children ages 3 – 14 years old. In an effort to educate the community about proper car seat installation and usage, Parkridge East Hospital will conduct free car seat safety checks beginning September 9 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and continuing on the second Tuesday of each month. Inspections are free and conducted by Christy Smith from the Hamilton County Health Department. The car seat safety checks will be held in the parking lot between the hospital and doctor’s office building.
An important responsibility begins with selecting a child car seat and using it properly from the moment you bring the baby home to every car ride after that. All 50 states have laws that require the use of a car seat. All car seats manufactured today must be designed to meet stringent safety standards set by the Federal government.
Here are a few things to remember for proper use and installation of a child’s car seat and belt positioning booster car seat:
- ALWAYS follow all manufacturers’ instructions for both the vehicle and the car seat or booster car seat.
- Be sure the car seat/booster car seat is appropriate for a child’s weight and height.
- The back seat is the safest place for children 12 and under to ride.
- Infants, less than one year of age, must ride rear-facing or in a car bed. NEVER place a rear-facing car seat in a seating location with a frontal air bag.
- Always anchor the car seat/booster car seat to the car using the LATCH attachment system or vehicle seat belt exactly as directed by the car seat/booster car seat manufacturer.
- NEVER use a forward-facing car seat/booster car seat in a seating location with a frontal airbag unless recommended in your specific vehicle by the vehicle manufacturer. Follow the manufacturers’ instructions.
- Always check that the car seat/booster car seat is securely installed. A locking clip or belt lock-off may be necessary on some vehicle lap and shoulder belts. Read the vehicle owner’s manual for information on other belt accessories that may be required.
- Do not use a car seat/booster car seat more than six years old.
- Do not use a car seat/booster car seat that has ever been involved in a crash.
- Do not use a car seat/booster car seat missing the manufacturer’s label showing the name of the manufacturer, model number, and date of manufacture.
- Booster car seats are recommended for children over 30 lbs., but consider height and maturity level as well. Some children are mature enough to handle a booster car seat, while others are unable to remain sitting properly in the adult lap and shoulder belt or keep the vehicle shoulder belt properly positioned.
- Set a good example and make sure the entire family buckles up.
- NEVER buy a used car seat or booster car seat.
- Air Travel – taking your child’s car seat along when traveling is recommended. Most car seats except belt positioning booster car seats are approved for use on aircraft. Booster car seats are not approved as a lap and shoulder belt are not available on the aircraft. Pack your booster car seat as luggage so you have it at your destination.
For more information, call TriStar MedLine at (423) 622-6848 or (800) 242-5662.