Car Seat and Booster Safety for Your Kids

According to studies, motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of unintentional injury-related death among children younger than 15 in Canada. Child safety seats, when installed and used correctly, can prevent injuries and save lives. In fact, young children who are properly restrained in car seats and booster seats have an 80 per cent lower risk of suffering from a fatal injury compared to those who are unrestrained.

Child Safety Seat Usage

Child safety seats are not just a good idea, they are the law. All provinces and territories require some form of special restraint to be used for young children. The legislation varies slightly province to province. Make sure to check with your local provincial government to find your applicable regulations.

It’s possible that regulations may be more lenient in your area; however the following guidelines are based on the strictest of provincial laws and will provide the best protection for your child

Infants:

• ​​Use a convertible seat facing the rear of the vehicle.

• Seat should be secured using the LATCH system.

• Do not use this seat in the front of your vehicle where an air bag is present.

• Child seat should be reclined at a 45-degree angle.

• Harness straps should be at or below shoulder level.

Toddlers (1 to 4 years old):

• Use a face-forward convertible seat, forward-facing only seat or high back booster/harness.

• Seat should be secured using the LATCH system or safety belts.

• Harness straps should fit at or above the child’s shoulders.

• Child should be snug and the harness clip should be at armpit level.

Young Children (4 to at least 8 years old):

• Use a belt-positioning booster or high back belt-positioning booster.

• Always use the lap and shoulder seat belt.

• Use the booster in the back seat only.

• Belt should rest across the child’s chest and on his/her shoulder.

• Lap belt should rest across the lap or upper thigh area

SAFETY FIRST

Using a child safety seat correctly is the key to keeping your child safe in case of an accident. If the seat is not installed properly, it may not protect your child in a crash. However, it only takes one minute to check the seat before you start the ignition.

Contact us at Alpine Insurance for all your insurance inquiries and needs.