Child Safety Seats
Finding and choosing the correct child restraint seat can be an extremely daunting experience. The DOT has announced a new consumer program that is designed to help parents and other child caregivers choose the right seat for their car which will at least help answer the question "will this car seat fit in my car?" .
NHTSA will institute a new program beginning with the 2011 model year to make it easier for parents to choose child safety seats. Car manufacturers will recommend specific seats in various price ranges that fit for individual vehicles.
Further, Secretary LaHood has asked NHTSA to:
develop a new side impact safety standard for car seats. Side impact crashes account for one-third of all highway deaths among children under thirteen years old.
Unfortunately, as it stands now, there are still many child restraint seats that are not crashworthy. If the standards for the restraint seats become tougher, maybe the term child safety seat will be more appropriate than it is today. Further, parents still have to be diligent about understanding the height and weight restrictions/requirements for the seat they choose to utilize.
In addition it is important to make sure the car seat is installed correctly. There are many child seat inspection stations. Search for one nearby here.
If your child's restraint system has failed, and you wish to discuss your matter with us please call us at 919-677-0144.
