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Keeping children safe while traveling involves more than just buying a car seat. It involves buying the right type of car seat and installing and using it properly. And while many moms and dads have child car seats in their vehicles, a recent GMAC Insurance survey revealed that more than one-third of drivers have misconceptions when it comes to proper child safety restraint procedures.
The data show that many are unaware or misinformed about the minimum age and weight limit their child should be before switching the position of their child’s safety seat. Forty-one percent of the more than 5,000 surveyed incorrectly identified the age and weight in which a child should be switched from a rear-facing to forward-facing seat. The correct answer is at least 1 year old and 20 pounds.
In addition, 34 percent of those surveyed did not know the correct step to take once a child has outgrown a forward-facing seat, which is to use a booster seat in the back seat of a car. Finally, almost 60 percent surveyed did not know that the recommended age for a child to sit in the front seat is 13 years old.
Parents should take the following suggestions into account when it comes to keeping your most precious cargo safe and secure:
Research your options. Child safety seats come in many makes and models, so do your homework to find the one that will best suit your needs. Safe Kids USA (www.usa.safekids.org) is a great general resource on child safety and has a page dedicated to child passenger safety. Car-Safety.org (www.car-safety.org) has a wealth of information on child passenger safety, as well as links to several car seat buying guides and rating systems from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Get inspected. Although you may think your seat is installed correctly, the safest bet is to visit your local police or fire department, and talk to personnel who have received training in child seat safety.
Get a new seat. If there has been a crash, even a minor one, the safety of the seat may be compromised; therefore, it should be replaced. Some insurance companies will cover the cost of a replacement seat.
Set a good example. Make a point to buckle up when you are a driver or a passenger. Not only will you be ensuring your own safety, but also you will be helping your children develop lifelong safety habits.
George Hall is the vice president of claims for GMAC Insurance.
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