Car Seat Safety - Not just for Parents!
By Kim Bronder
Are you driving the kids on vacation? Is grandpa taking the kids around town this summer? It is always a good time to go over car seat safety tips. Long gone are the days of tossing kids in the back of the car and go. Their protection is critical and it’s our job as parents, grandparents, family and friends to make sure that we are being good stewards of car seat safety! The type of seat needed for your child depends on their size, age and developmental needs.
First off is making sure the seat is belted and latched correctly into the car.
If you can’t find the manual, check online for the manufacturer’s car seat brand. Backward facing is the best if you are unsure. The National Highway Traffic Safety Admin (NHTSA) says 59% of car seats are installed incorrectly while 96% of parents think they did it right!
Check the car seat's expiration date and any possible recalls. You can contact NHTSA for recalls at 888-327-4236 or visit the site NHTSA.
Be sure the kids haven’t grown out of their current car seat.
Pinch the harness’s webbing together to determine if the harness is too loose and, if it is too loose, then tighten it up. The tighter the better despite what Jr. says!
Replace the car seat if it is too old,
if the manufacturers labels are missing, when there are cracks in it, and if it has been in an accident even the seat the looks ok.
One last very important point - as the driver, wear your seatbelt.
If you are in an accident, you want to be able to help your child. Not wearing a seatbelt is more likely to cause you injury and prevent you from helping your child. So everyone BUCKLE up!
Do the research, buckle the kids up and enjoy peace of mind on the road!
Sources:
https://saferide4kids.com/blog/child-car-safety-tips-you-need-to-know-this-year/
About Kim
Avid traveler, Mom of Three Daughters, and Insurance Agent
Direct Phone – 913-754-3807 kbronder@maxinsurance.com
Kim Bronder has been with MAX since 2011 and has over 20 years of experience in the insurance industry. When Kim is not at work, she loves to travel, cook and read. Kim and her husband of 35 years are involved with Retrouvaille, a ministry that helps married couples strengthen and heal their marriages. She has three grown daughters, two sons-in-law and two grandchildren. Kim enjoys the spring and summer months where she can tend to her garden.