Posted on: August 16, 2016
Car seats are crucial when it comes to the safety of your child in the car, but they are only effective when they are used correctly. For example, the straps must fit snugly across your child’s body in order to prevent them from being thrown from the seat in the event of an accident. According to a report by the TODAY Show, one mistake parents commonly make is when they strap their children into their seats while wearing a puffy winter coat, which actually prevents the straps from being tight enough to offer any protection. As crash tests show, this one mistake could prove to be deadly.
While it may feel as through your child is strapped snugly into a car seat, the straps are actually loose enough that they will not restrain them in an accident. Footage of crash tests on the TODAY website illustrate a terrifying scenario in which a child-sized dummy is violently thrown forward in only a 30 mph crash, with such force that even the coat flew off. With winter weather coming soon to South Carolina, it is vitally important that parents be aware of this risk!
Parents are advised to always remove their child’s winter coat before strapping them into a car seat. If you are concerned that your child will be cold in the car, you can lay their jacket over them, or keep a blanket handy to drape over them.
This advice applies to adults, too. A seatbelt may not be able to properly restrain a driver or passenger in the event of an accident if a puffy winter jacket is in the way. Always make sure to remove it before buckling up – it could save your life!
Now that you know about this potential danger, be sure to spread the word to your friends and family. Stay safe this winter, South Carolina!
If you or a family member have been injured in a car accident, the time is now to call George Sink, P.A. Injury Lawyers. Request a FREE consultation with a South Carolina car accident lawyer now to learn if you have grounds for a lawsuit seeking compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and more. We have helped more than 40,000 people receive just compensation in our decades of practice, and we may be able to help you, too!
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