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Writer's pictureJason T

Car Seat Safety: Protecting Your Child on the Road

Updated: Oct 29

Car Seat Safety -


Ensuring your child’s car seat is correctly installed is essential for their safety while traveling. Research shows that proper car seat installation can reduce the risk of fatal injury by up to 71% for infants and 54% for toddlers in the event of a crash. However, studies indicate that a significant number of car seats are improperly installed, which greatly increases the risk of harm in an accident.



Car seat installation guide poster.


Installation of a car seat is very important to maintain the safety of infants and young children during travel. Statistics show that a vast majority of car seats are not installed correctly, significantly increasing the risk of injury or fatality in the event of a crash. Ensuring that the car seat is securely and correctly installed, following both the manufacturer's instructions and local regulations, can significantly reduce this risk. It's not just a matter of compliance; it's about safeguarding precious lives on the road. Taking the time to install a car seat properly is a small yet critical step towards ensuring the safety and well-being of our youngest passengers.


Steps to Proper Installation - Car Seat Safety:

  1. Follow Manufacturer Instructions: Always read the car seat manual and your vehicle’s owner manual for installation guidelines.

  2. Choose the Right Seat: Car seats come in various types based on age, weight, and height. Ensure that the seat suits your child’s size and is adjusted as they grow.

  3. Securely Anchor the Seat: Ensure the car seat is tightly anchored using the seat belt or LATCH system, with no more than an inch of movement in any direction.

  4. Proper Harness Positioning: The harness should be snug and positioned at or below your child’s shoulders in a rear-facing seat, or at or above in a forward-facing seat.

  5. Check Local Guidelines: Provincial and territorial guidelines provide specific regulations on car seat use based on age, weight, and height. Check these to ensure compliance.



Car seat installation poster referring to the buckle placement and proper use.
Ensure the top buckle is across the chest.


For more information, check your local provincial or territorial guideline on installation of a car seat versus the age and weight of the child. 



Seatbelts save lives. 




RESOURCES:





Jason T - Author

Author - Saving Grace Medical Academy Ltd

Jason T

Retired EMT - Heart & Stroke Foundation Senior Instructor

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