Car Seat Do’s and Don’ts

Car seats have been proven to significantly lower children’s injuries in car accidents. Car seats lower the risk of injury for infants by 71 percent, toddlers by 54 percent, and children 4 to 8 years of age by 45 percent. Installing and using a car seat properly can save your child from being seriously injured. However, there are a number of factors that go into your child’s protection in the car. In order to ensure your children’s safety, follow the car seat do’s and don’ts below.

If your child has been injured in a car accident, contact our lawyers right away. Our attorneys can evaluate your case and may be able to help you pursue compensation.

Call Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C. today to schedule a free and confidential consultation at (312) 236-2900.

Using Safety Restraints

According to Illinois law, all children under the age of eight must be secured in a safety seat when riding in a motorized vehicle. These devices add additional safety in the event of an accident, from fully surrounding harnesses to extra padding and shielding. For children under the age of eight, the use of a child safety seat is required. There are also specific weight requirements for child transportation. According to modern requirements, any child who weighs less than 40 pounds must use a safety seat.

Stages for Child Roadway Safety

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) claims that nearly 150 children between the ages of zero and 19 are injured in car accidents every hour. Thankfully, there are actions that parents can take to protect their children.

Depending on a child’s age, specific safety measures should be taken. The stages of child safety seats include, but are not limited to:

• Rear-Facing Car Seat (zero to two): In this age range, it is essential to secure children in a rear-facing car seat. In the event of a crash, the child will be protected by a fully surrounding shell.
• Forward-Facing Car Seat (two to five): When a child outgrows the rear-facing car seat, a forward-facing car seat is the next best thing. Children should remain in this seat until the age of four.
• Booster Seat (five and up): A booster seat acts to elevate children when they are riding in the car. It places the seatbelt on the child’s torso; otherwise, it would be on their neck.

Car Seat Do’s

• Make sure to install and tether the car seat properly. If the car seat is not tethered properly, it can easily become undone during a car accident.
• Ensure that the harness clip is in line with the armpits of your child.
• An infant should be in a car seat facing the rear of the car at a 45-degree angle.
• If your child is in a forward-facing car seat, make sure to put the straps above their shoulders.
• Make sure that your baby’s head lies at least one inch below the shell of the car seat. If not, you should change to a larger, rear-facing car seat.
• Purchase a car seat containing a five-point harness.
• If your child is too big for their car seat, you should get them a booster seat.
• It is a good idea to have your car seat inspected by a professional to ensure it is harnessed properly.

Car Seat Don’ts

• Don’t keep loose objects in the car. In the event of a car accident, the objects can fly throughout the car and severely injure you or your child.
• Don’t forget to tighten each strap and to ensure your child is fastened properly before you start to drive.
• Don’t put the car seat in the front seat.
• Don’t put a baby in a forward-facing seat. It is standard for an infant to ride in a rear-facing seat until two years of age.

How a Lawyer Can Help

At Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C., we understand that having your child sustain an injury can be devastating and painful. If your child has been injured in a car accident due to the fault of someone else, our attorneys can help you file your claim against the negligent party. Our car accident attorneys serve clients throughout the Chicago area, including Aurora, Elgin, Hinsdale, Joliet, Naperville, and Waukegan. We have significant experience dealing with car accident cases and may be able to help you pursue compensation for your damages and losses.

Call our lawyers today at (312) 236-2900 to schedule your free initial consultation with one of our Chicago injury lawyers.