Call Toll Free 1-888-792-3595

Keeping Your Children Safe on the Road

Have you ever driven down the road and noticed a young unrestrained child in the car next to you? Or worse yet, have you ever let your child go unrestrained? It happens more often than you think. Children who are not properly restrained have a greater risk of being seriously injured or killed in a crash, even if it’s at a low speed which means even when you are going across the street or a short distance, you should always make sure your child is properly buckled up. Each state has their own set of laws for child car seats; however, most states require them for all children under age 4 and children weighing less than 40 lbs.

There are three varieties of car seats a parent can purchase according to their child’s age and weight. For example, if you have an infant you should restrain them in a rear facing car seat until they reach 1 years old and weighs at least 20 lbs. The next seat is a toddler seat which faces forward and has a harness in the front to strap them in. A child should be in a toddler seat until they outgrow it which is around age 4 and 40lbs. You can find infant seats that can be converted into a toddler seat later on. The last stage is a booster seat for children who are 4 and weigh at least 40 lbs. You use a regular seat belt that goes across the shoulder with a booster seat. A child should be in a booster seat until they are 4 ft. 9 in. tall.

Keep in mind that you should never buy a used car seat, because if it has been recalled for any reason, misused, or been in an accident it may not completely protect your child. Also, the safest place to put your child is in the middle seat of the car, you should never put them in the front of any car where you can’t turn the airbag off. You should look over the manufacturer’s recommendations before you use the car sear you purchased.

Please remember that you need to set a good example by putting everyone’s safety first. Make sure your child is correctly restrained and make it a priority that you are too before going anywhere. You never know what’s going to happen out on the road, even if you’re going a short distance.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident our attorneys at Walker, Billingsley & Bair are here to help answer any questions or concerns you may be having. If you would like to learn more about Iowa Car Accidents, our personal injury attorneys offer a No Cost, risk or obligation book to help injured Iowans learn their rights and responsibilities. To request your copy visit us at www.IowaCarAccidentBook.com or Call Now 1-800-707-2552 ext. 812 (24 hours recorded message) Your Journey for Justice Starts Here!