Safety expert shares car seat safety tips for parents before they hit the road
September is Baby Safety Month
September is Baby Safety Month
September is Baby Safety Month
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 429 children are injured and three are killed each day in the United States.
September is Baby Safety Month.
Riley Miller at our sister station WJCL caught up with Joe Colella, the director of child passenger safety for the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association, to find out what parents need to know.
Before hitting the road, ensuring your child’s safety in the car is paramount, and a car seat is one of the most effective tools for protection. Colella says the first step is choosing the right car seat based on the child’s age, height and weight. Rear-facing seats are recommended for infants and toddlers until they outgrow the manufacturer's weight and height limits, as they offer the best protection for developing necks and spines. For older children, transitioning to forward-facing seats and then booster seats is key until they’re ready for seat belts.
Proper installation is critical. Colella advises parents to read both the car seat manual and the vehicle’s manual to ensure correct placement. Most seats should be installed in the back seat, away from airbags. Using the LATCH system or seatbelt to secure the car seat tightly, with no more than an inch of movement, is essential.
Finally, always double-check that the harness fits snugly, with chest clips positioned at armpit level. Following these tips can provide peace of mind and significantly improve child safety on the road.
You can watch the full interview in the video above.