Nearly 80 percent of car seats are used incorrectly, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. As a North Charleston personal injury lawyer , I’ve found there are common errors to installing car seats, including the straps being too loose, incorrect installation or improper sized car seat for the child’s weight.
Here are some common car seat problems, according to news reports .
1. Consumers who don’t know how to use the car seat. Grandparents, babysitters or even parents who aren’t familiar with the car seat may be incorrectly using the seat. Make sure you read the instructions and demonstrate perfect use 100 percent of the time, no matter how long the car trip is.
2. Car seats being used in the front seat. Infant seats should never be placed in the front seat if the airbag is turned on. Even if it isn’t on, the best place for children in car seats is the back seat.
3. Using the proper car seat for your infant’s weight. Use forward-facing car seats for children ages two and up. Infants should only be in rear-facing seats. When your child is too big for car seats, they may still need a booster seat to keep them safe.
I urge parents to always use car seats to protect their children. If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident or personal injury related to a faulty child safety seat, contact a personal injury lawyer in North Charleston .