Child Passenger Safety Week
Child Passenger Safety Week is September 18-24, 2022 and to celebrate, Safe Kids Austin is answering some common car seat and booster seat questions. Safe Kids Austin is hosting Seat Check Saturday on September 24 from 9am-12pm at Ascension Seton Southwest. Come get your car seat checked by certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians to make sure your children are riding safely!
Why are car seats and booster seats so important?
Motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death and serious injury for children. One of the most important things you can do to protect your kids is making sure they are in the right car seat or booster seat for their size and development. Using child safety seats correctly reduces the risk of death by as much as 71 percent.
What is the law in Texas?
Texas law states that children under 8 years old must be in a child car seat or booster seat unless they are 4 ft 9 inches tall. The seat must be used according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
What are some common errors or misuses with car seats?
– Car seats installed too loosely. It should move less than 1 inch side-to-side and front to back.
– Moving children to the next car seat too soon. We recommend keeping children rear facing until the maximum height or weight for your particular car seat. Rear facing is safer and we want children to stay rear facing as long as their seat allows.
– Not using the top tether in a forward facing car seat. Check your vehicle manual to identify where your tether anchors are located.
– Harness is too loose or the chest clip is not positioned correctly. The harness material should not be able to be pinched and the chest clip should be placed at the child’s armpit level.
– For a rear-facing infant seat we often see the recline angle is not correct. Especially for newborns, check the recline indicator on your car seat to make sure it is reclined at the correct angle.
– Not using a booster seat even though the child is under 8 years old and/or under 4 feet 9 inches tall. Seat belts are designed for adults. A booster seat correctly positions the seatbelt over a child’s hips and shoulder.
What is a car seat inspection? Why should I get one?
Child Passenger Safety Technicians are nationally certified to provide car seat inspections. They check your car seats and booster seats for safety recalls, proper installation and fit for your child. In addition, they will teach you how to use and properly install your car seat on your own in your specific vehicle. Getting a car seat inspection helps make sure your child is riding safely.
What should I expect at the car seat inspection event happening September 24th at Ascension Seton Southwest (7900 Farm to Market Rd 1826, Austin, TX 78737)?
This event on Saturday, September 24th is from 9 am – 12 pm and is at Ascension Seton Southwest. It is first come first serve. At the event a Child Passenger Safety Technician will check your car seats and booster seats for safety recalls, proper installation and fit for your child. In addition, they will teach you how to use and properly install your car seat on your own. If you are in need of a car seat or booster seat you can attend this event as well, but again it is on a first come first serve basis.
What to do if I can’t make the event?
If you can’t make the event you can always contact Dell Children’s Medical Center’s Kids in Cars program at (512) 324 – TOTS (8687) or kidsincars@ascension.org to schedule an appointment with one of our technicians.