According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, traffic crashes are the leading cause of death in children under the age of 12.
However, when installed and used correctly, child safety seats can reduce fatal injury by up to 71% for infants and 54% for toddlers.
New data shows that caregivers are making 5 common mistakes when using car seats.
The Safe Kids Coalition and General Motors Foundation are asking caregivers to take 15 minutes for an at-home car seat inspection checklist:
1. Right seat. Check the label on your car seat to make sure it's appropriate for your child's ago, weight, and height.
2. Right place. Keep all children in the back seat until they are 13.
3. Right direction. Keep your child in a rear-facing car seat for as long as possible, usually around age 2. When outgrown to a forward-facing seat, make sure to attach the top tether after you tighten and lock the seat belt or lower anchors.
4. Inch test. Once the seat is installed, give it a shake at the base. A properly installed seat will not move more than an inch.
5. Pinch test. When the harness is tightly buckled, and the chest clip is at armpit level, you should be unable to pinch any excess webbing.
You can also call 859-455-SEAT to find a fire department with trained inspectors.
For more information, visit the
Safe Kids website.
