A Simple 5 Minute Check Can Save a Child’s Life Published Sept. 25, 2012 By 2nd Lt. Diana Bennett GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas-- -- Did you know that, according to the National Highway Traffic Administration, car crashes are the number one killer of children one to 12 years old in the U.S.? The best way to protect your child is to use the right car seat properly. This past week was 'National Child Passenger Safety Week,' reminding us about the importance of using car seats and seatbelts properly. While installing and using child safety seats may appear to be easy enough, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has estimated that close to three out of four parents do not properly use child restraints ... and if you are one of them, that child safety seat may not protect your child the way it should in a car accident. Parents and caregivers are urged to verify that their child safety seats are properly installed and correctly used. Just a simple five minute check could save a child's life. First, it is important to check if you have the right car seat or booster for your child. Second, you need to ensure that the seat is installed properly. Finally, it is important to provide optimum protection by securing a child properly. When performing this inspection, keep in mind the following tips: · Ensure your child's car seat is safely secured and your child is also safely secured in the car seat. · Keep your child in the car seat for as long as possible, as long as your child fits the seat's height and weight requirements. · Ensure all older children, no matter where they sit, wear lap and shoulder belts. · All children under 13 should ride in the back seat. · Ensure you and all adult passengers buckle up to set a good example. Information provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Expecting a baby soon or do not have a car seat yet? The process of choosing the right one is now easier with how-to videos and detailed descriptions based on weight and age. Information on choosing the right car seat can be found on: http://www.safercar.gov/parents/carseats.htm. In addition, AAA can help parents understand how to properly keep their children safe inside a vehicle, more information can be found on http://www.SafeSeats4Kids.AAA.com. More detailed information on the five minute check three tips can be found on http://www.nhtsa.gov/Safety/CPS.
