Virginia car accidents can cause serious injuries to yourself or your loved ones, including small children. By using the appropriate method of buckling up, you can lessen the amount of damage a collision could inflict. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind the next time you and your children are on the road, courtesy of SafeKids.org.
Booster Seats
- Use a car seat or booster seat correctly in a back seat every time your child rides in a car.
- Never place the shoulder belt under the child’s arm or behind the child’s back.
- Vehicle seat belts are designed to fit an average-sized adult. Children usually need a car seat or booster seat until they are about 4 feet 9 inches tall and weigh between 80 and 100 pounds to get the best protection from a seat belt.
The Safety Seat Belt Fit Test
- Have your child sit in a back seat with their bottom and back against the vehicle’s seat back. Do the child’s knees bend at the seat’s edge? If yes, go on. If not, the child must stay in a booster seat.
- Buckle the seat belt. Does the lap belt stay low on the hips? If yes, go on. If it rests on the soft part of the stomach, the child must stay in a booster seat.
- Look at the shoulder belt. Does it lay on the collarbone and shoulder? If yes, go on. If it is on the face or neck, the child must remain in a booster seat.
Seat Belts
- Make sure that everyone sits upright when using seat belts. Never let them lean against windows or car doors or lie down. Never put the shoulder belt under the arm or behind the back.
- All children under age 13 should ride properly restrained in a back seat.
- A lap AND shoulder belt provides the best protection to your child and must be used on every ride
Parrish Law Firm, PLLC works with Virginia families who have been affected by an accident or a child’s injury and are seeking compensation. Call us today at 703-906-4229 or fill out a free case consultation form.
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