Many child car seats are improperly installed, including those considered easy to manage.
Many child car seats are improperly installed, including those considered easy to manage.
The Embrace and Peril of Car Seat Installation
Many parents in the United States aren’t installing child car seats correctly, a new study finds. Despite the availability of high-quality car seats with 5-star ratings, errors in installation are still quite common. The study emphasizes the importance of seeking out safety technicians to learn proper installation techniques. Child restraint systems greatly reduce the risk of crash injuries, but only when they are used correctly.
According to Dr. Michelle Macy, an emergency medicine physician at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, it is beneficial for new parents to utilize resources available after their child’s birth, particularly during the transition from an infant carrier to a rear-facing car seat and when switching to a forward-facing seat. Seeking help from certified technicians ensures the child’s safety on the road and correct installation of the car seat.
In a study conducted by Macy and her colleagues, they analyzed data from Safe Kids Illinois seat check records between 2015 and 2019. The study revealed that the most common errors were related to seats installed with seat belts (70%) and the least common errors were associated with recline angle (37%). Surprisingly, even parents using 5-star rated car seats were found to make errors, with one of the most common errors occurring around 50% of the time involving the top tether on forward-facing car seats. The top tether, a strap on top of the seat, needs to be hooked to an anchor point in the vehicle. Parents often fail to attach the strap or hook it in the wrong location.
The study highlights that while parents can rely on the car seat rating system when choosing an appropriate seat for their child, installation and use errors can still occur. This emphasizes the necessity of seeking help from certified technicians to ensure the child’s safety on the road.
To facilitate this, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website provides a resource directory by zip code to help parents connect with nearby certified child passenger safety technicians. This resource will enable parents to receive professional guidance and expertise in correctly installing their child’s car seat.
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Ensuring the proper installation of child car seats is of paramount importance to protect children from potential injuries in crashes. According to the researchers, child restraint systems can reduce the risk of crash injuries by 50% to 85%. However, this significant reduction can only be achieved if the seats are properly installed.
To address this issue effectively, it is crucial for parents to understand the common errors made during car seat installation and how to avoid them. The table below summarizes the common mistakes identified in the study:
| Mistake | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Seats installed with seat belts | 70% |
| Recline angle | 37% |
| Top tether on forward-facing car seats | 50% |
Despite these errors, it is reassuring to know that parents have access to reliable car seat ratings, allowing them to choose seats with enhanced safety features. These ratings can serve as a valuable guide, ensuring parents make informed decisions when selecting a car seat for their child.
Parents should also keep in mind that child car seats should be adjusted as the child grows. It’s important to periodically check the seat’s fit, harness straps, and installation to ensure continued safety.
In conclusion, proper installation of child car seats is essential to protect children during car rides. While errors in installation are common, parents can seek assistance from certified technicians to ensure installation is done correctly. The study emphasizes the need for ongoing education and support beyond the initial training received before the baby’s birth. By investing time and effort into mastering the proper techniques for car seat installation, parents can provide their children with an added layer of safety on the road.
More information
For further information and resources on child car seats, visit the U.S. National Highway Transportation Safety Administration.
SOURCES:
- Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, news release, July 21, 2023
- Traffic Injury Prevention journal
