Bringing a child into the world is one of the most rewarding experiences. But, as a new parent, you may find yourself being more cautious and careful now as you are not only responsible for keeping yourself safe, but also your newborn baby. Because nearly 2.35 million people suffer an injury as a result of a car crash in the U.S. each year, you want to do all that you can to keep your baby safe while reducing the chances of them sustaining a serious injury [Source: Association For Safe International Road Travel]. And it starts with choosing the best car seat for them.
The fact is, the Insurance Information Institute (IIHS) says that motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for children younger than 13 so aside from buckling up your older children, you need to be sure the little ones are just as secure as anyone else traveling inside the vehicle. That is why we are offering you a few helpful tips that can be rather useful when it comes time to buy a car seat or upgrade from the one you may have already purchased.
- Choose a seat that is right for your child’s age and size and remember, their seat always goes in the rear of the vehicle.
- All infants and toddlers should ride rear-facing until they reach the age of two or older or until they reach the height and weight limits stipulated for their particular child restraint seat.
- Once your child outgrows their rear-facing car seat, they should then ride in a harness-equipped forward-facing car seat for as long as possible, up to the height and weight limits of the child restraint seat. Generally, children between the ages of two and four that weight no more than 40 pounds ride in this type of seat [ Source: Web MD]. The IIHS also points out that top tethers should be used whenever a child restraint seat is installed forward-facing. Majority of car seats come equipped with tether straps and a tether anchor that can be connected to your vehicle so that they are more secure.
- After your child grows out of their car seat and has surpassed the height and weight limitations of the front-facing car seat, they should use a belt-positioning booster seat until the adult safety belt fits them properly. Children between the ages of four and eight or up to four feet, nine inches tall sit in these seats.
Because the proper restraint seat can reduce crash injuries and death tremendously, it is important that the seat you purchase for your child is safe and effective.
Now, if you were recently involved in a car crash in Madison, MS that left you, your child, or anyone else inside your vehicle injured, don’t wait to contact Ballard Law, PLLC. Our knowledgeable accident lawyers in Madison, MS can review the details of the collision and determine whether you have a case worth fighting for. Many car crash injuries often result in a person suffering from chronic pain and even having to receive ongoing medical treatment. If you want to increase your chances of recovering the maximum compensation your incident entitles you to, call our office now at 769-572-5111.
You can reach Ballard Law, PLLC. at:
108 S. President Street
Jackson, MS 39201
769-572-5111
