A recent tragedy in El Paso is a reminder to parents to make sure children are properly and securely fastened in their car seat before putting the car in to drive. As reported by KVIA, a 9-month old baby was killed in a head-on crash after not being strapped securely into a car seat. The infant’s grandmother, who was driving the vehicle, placed the child in a baby bouncer located in the front passenger seat rather than securely fastened in child restraint safety seat, which should have been located in the back seat.
New York personal injury lawyers understand the importance of selecting and using the appropriate car seat in an effort to provide your child with maximum protection in the event of an accident.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is trying to make it easier for parents and caregivers to prevent child injuries and fatalities by revising child restraint guidelines. The NHTSA is now advising that children be kept in each restraint type, which includes rear-facing, forward-facing and booster seats, for as long as possible. The new guidelines set forth by NHTSA are now consistent with the latest suggested by American Academy of Pediatrics.
“Safety is our highest priority,” said Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “The ‘best’ car seat is the one that fits your child, fits your vehicle and one you will use every time your child is in the car.”
The rear-facing position is proven to reduce stress on the neck and spinal cord, which is important for growing babies. It is now recommended that babies be kept in rear-facing restraints at minimum until age 2, but preferably until they no longer meet the weight and height requirements set forth by the car seat manufacturer.
One recommendation made by the NHTSA that parents should pay particular attention to is to always read the child seat manufacturers’ instructions and the owner’s manual for your vehicle for important information on height, weight and proper installation requirements. The Moonee Valley Leader reports that a good number of parents don’t install their car seats properly. More than 80% of parents checked at a free inspection session were found to have incorrectly fitted child car restraints. This report came following another nearby town that had the same type of free inspection session that also reported 85% of child seats were fitted incorrectly during their free inspection.
If you would like more information about what kind of car seat to use, visit NHTSA Ease-of-Use Ratings.
For more information on child restraint guidelines, click on NHTSA to view.
If you or a loved one has been seriously or fatally injured in a New York City car accident, contact personal injury lawyer Nicholas Rose for consultation about your rights. To make a free and confidential appointment call 1-877-313-ROSE (7673).
