No tragedy compares to an accident that injures a child. Fortunately, modern car seats provide exceptional protection against injuries. However, installing a car seat is not enough; you must also make sure it fits properly. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration offers several tips and instructional videos for parents. Here are five important factors to consider when installing a car seat:
- Car seat stability
- Carrier strap tightness
- Extra space around the baby
- Locking clips
- Height of your baby’s head
Even if you follow the NHTSA’s guidelines, there is a chance that you or your child will sustain injuries in a car accident. If this happens, contact Morris Bart & Associates, LLC.
A Birmingham injury lawyer can evaluate your crash, talk to witnesses, gather evidence, and handle settlement negotiations. As the victim of another driver’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost income and other damages.
Here Are Five Factors to Consider for Car Seat Installation:
For a free legal consultation, call 800-537-8185
Car Seat Stability
According to the Department of Motor Vehicles, it is important to ensure that the car seat is stable before you hit the road. If you can shift it 1 inch or more, then the straps that hold it in place are not tight enough. Press your weight on the seat, and pull the straps as hard as you can.
Carrier Strap Tightness
Make sure the carrier straps are tight before departing. It is also important to ensure that the harness clip is in the correct position – either on your baby’s armpits or shoulders. The straps should be in the slot that is adjacent to the baby’s shoulders.
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Extra Space around the Baby
Extra space around the baby’s body can be dangerous; the child should be as stationary as possible at all times. If there is too much space, you can put towels or blankets on either side of the infant. However, do not put towels or blankets beneath the harness straps.
Locking Clips
If you are installing a child seat in an older vehicle, you may need locking clips. Some vehicles built before 1997 do not have seatbelts that lock when the driver brakes hard, but locking clips prevent the infant’s belt from slipping in these scenarios.
Height of the Baby’s Head
Your baby’s head should not protrude over the seat; it should be at least 2 inches below the top. You should also tilt the seat at an angle of between 30 and 45 degrees.
If you or your child was injured by a negligent motorist in Alabama, contact a Birmingham injury attorney from Morris Bart & Associates, LLC. Call 800-537-8185 to schedule a free initial consultation.
Questions?Call 800-537-8185
to find a Morris Bart office near you.
