Proper Use of Child Safety Seats
Many people think they have installed their child safety seat correctly and believe they are using it properly. However, National SAFE KIDS Campaign Car Seat Check Ups prove differently. As many as 73% of child safety seats are found to be improperly installed and/or used when vehicles are stopped and checked. A child can suffer injuries or death in a motor vehicle crash if the child safety seat is not properly installed or used.
Common Mistakes in Installing or Using Child Safety Seats
- Safety belt not holding the seat in tightly and/or not in locked mode
- Harness straps not snug and/or routed correctly
- Harness retainer clip not at armpit level
- Locking clip not used correctly
- Car seat recalled and not repaired (includes booster seats)
- Infants placed rear-facing in front of an active air bag
- Children turned forward-facing before reaching 1 year of age and 20 lbs
If you need help installing your car seat, contact a certified Child Passenger Safety (CPS) Technician. To locate and set up an appointment, call toll-free at 866/SEATCHECK (866/732-8243) or visit
www.seatcheck.org.