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Protecting Little Passengers: A Guide to Car Seat Safety and Products to Avoid

by | May 11, 2023 | Car Accidents

As a seasoned personal injury attorney at Mory & Colliersmith, PLLC, I cannot stress enough the importance of car seat safety for children. Car accidents are one of the leading causes of injury and death for children, and it is crucial to take all necessary precautions to protect them. While car seats can significantly reduce the risk of injury or death, not all car seat products are created equal. As a personal injury attorney, I have seen firsthand the devastating consequences of using products that are not recommended for use with car seats.

When it comes to car seat safety, it is essential to choose the right car seat for the child’s age, weight, and height. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children remain in a rear-facing car seat until they are at least two years old or until they reach the highest weight or height allowed by the car seat’s manufacturer. Once a child outgrows a rear-facing car seat, they should transition to a forward-facing car seat with a harness. Children should remain in a forward-facing car seat with a harness until they reach the highest weight or height allowed by the car seat’s manufacturer. After a child outgrows a forward-facing car seat, they should transition to a booster seat until they are big enough to use a seat belt properly. The AAP recommends that children continue to use a booster seat until they are at least 4 feet 9 inches tall and between 8 and 12 years old.

Car crashes can happen to anyone, at any time, and can cause severe injuries or even death. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), car crashes are the leading cause of death for children aged one to thirteen years old in the United States. However, the use of car seats can significantly reduce the risk of injury or death in the event of a collision. The NHTSA estimates that car seats, when used correctly, can reduce the risk of fatal injury by 71% for infants and 54% for toddlers.

Products to Avoid Using with Car Seats

While using a car seat is critical for child safety, not all car seat products are safe to use with car seats. It is essential to be aware of the products that are not recommended for use with car seats to ensure that the car seat is used correctly and safely.

Avoid #1: It is also crucial to avoid using products that are not recommended for use with car seats, like the ones below. Aftermarket products, such as car seat covers, headrests, and mirrors, can interfere with the car seat’s performance in a collision and may void the car seat’s warranty.

Avoid #2: Using thick coats or jackets can also interfere with the harness’s ability to properly secure a child in a car seat. A child should wear light clothing and be covered with a blanket or jacket after they are securely fastened into the car seat.

Avoid #3: Backless booster seats may be less expensive and more portable than high-back booster seats, but they do not provide as much protection for a child in the event of a collision. In a collision, a backless booster seat can cause a child to slide under the seatbelt, leading to serious injuries.

As an attorney who specializes in personal injury cases, I have seen the devastating consequences of car accidents firsthand. Children are particularly vulnerable in car accidents, and it is our duty as parents and caregivers to take every precaution to protect them. Choosing the right car seat for your child and avoiding products that are not recommended for use with car seats can make a significant difference in the event of a collision. At Mory & Colliersmith, PLLC, we are committed to helping families affected by car accidents seek justice and fair compensation for their injuries.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, please do not hesitate to contact our firm for a free consultation.

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