TAKE TEN FOR ORM – FEBRUARY
Did you know that in the United States an average of six children ages fourteen and younger were killed and 732 were injured each day in motor vehicle crashes (MVC) during 2001. The annual cost of those deaths and injuries exceeded 36 billion. This doesn't account for pain, suffering and the grief the families endure.
Child safety seats are 71% effective in reducing deaths for infants and 54% effective in reducing deaths for children ages one through four in passenger cars. In addition, they reduce the need for hospitalization by 89%, so child safety seats are highly cost effective.
What's the best child safety seat? The one that fits the child, fits the vehicle and is used consistently and correctly. You can check the crash ratings of most child safety seats at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) web site, http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/, under '2006 child safety seat ease of use ratings' on the main page. If you purchase a new seat, complete and forward the warranty card to the manufacturer. This will ensure you receive all product recalls for the seats when they've been released. The warranty is only good for five to six years from date of manufacture, so that's the time a child safety seat should be replaced. You have to consider the wear and tear, especially from being inside your vehicle during the intense heat and cold.
If you decide to purchase a used child safety seat, ask the following questions before you:
a. Has it ever been in a crash?
b. Does the seat have any cracks or defects?
c. Are there any recalls for the seat?
d. Are the instructions missing for the seat?
e. Any parts missing?
f. Is the seat more than six years old?
g. Is the seat missing labels?
h. Is the company that manufactured the seat out of business?
If you answered yes to one or more of the questions, ensure the child safety seat is destroyed or not reusable.
What are the basic requirements for installing a child safety seat? The basic requirements are as follows:
a. No more than one-inch side to side movement at belt path area.
b. Retainer clip at arm pit level.
c. Snug harness (small pinch at child's collar).
d. At least 80% of child safety seat's base makes contact with vehicle's seat cushion.
e. Always check both vehicle's & child safety seat's manufacturer instructions for proper installation of the child safety seat.
f. Never place a rear facing child safety seat in the front seat of a vehicle with an airbag.
g. According to NHTSA, Children ages 12 and under ride in the back seat.
h. Planning a big family? Buy a larger vehicle.
If you need help, contact the nearest certified Child Passenger Safety Technician or Instructor listed at NHTSA web site http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov, under comprehensive child passenger safety information. Then click on "Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician Locator".