Car Seats Are Safe and Effective When Correctly Used
(DENVER) The Safe Kids Denver Metro coalition wants to reassure parents and caregivers that car seats are safe and effective when used according to manufacturers' instructions. Every car seat on the market in the United States has passed the same rigorous crash tests required by the U.S. Department of Transportation. Parents should not fear for their children's safety in cars in response to a recent Consumers Union report raising questions about the performance of infant car seats.
If your infant car seat is less than six years old, has never been in a crash, is reclining at about a 45-degree angle in the car, is secured tightly in the back seat and if the harness straps are adjusted correctly for your baby, then you're giving your baby the safest ride possible with current technology.
Safe Kids Denver Metro encourages parents and caregivers who transport infants to consider:
- Today's car seats are safe and effective if used correctly. Every car seat on the market in the United States has passed the same rigorous crash tests required by the U.S. Department of Transportation.
- If you're following manufacturer's instructions, you're giving your baby the safest ride possible with current technology. Make sure your infant car seat is less than six years old, has never been in a crash, is reclining at about a 45-degree angle in the car, is secured tightly in the back seat and the harness straps are adjusted correctly for your baby.
- Any car seat made after 2002 can be installed either with safety belts or the LATCH system in a vehicle made in 2002 or later. Use safety belts or LATCH for an infant, whichever you prefer, but not both. If you're worried about the performance of LATCH, use the safety belt.
- We want to see the technology continue to improve, but we don't want parents to lose confidence in their car seats today - the best protection available. Federal standards do not call for side-impact crash tests at this time. The International Standards Organization is drafting global standards that will include side-impact tests; meanwhile, the highest standard in the world is a side-impact crash test at 19 mph that is mandatory in Australia. Consumers Union tested car seats at twice that speed.
- Read the instructions and follow them carefully. Even if you don't usually read the instructions for other products, read your car seat owner's manual cover to cover. Also read the section of your vehicle owner's manual that deals with occupant protection.
- If you still have questions, contact Car Seats Colorado. This state-wide program can refer you to a nationally certified Child Passenger Safety Technician or a car seat inspection station for free hands-on training. Call Car Seats Colorado at (303) 239-4625 (Denver Metro) or 1-877-588-8687 (toll free) or visit their website at www.carseatscolorado.com for a car seat checkup location with a nationally certified technician near you.
- Visit the Safe Kids Buckle Up website for more information about child passenger safety.
About Safe Kids Denver Metro Coalition
Safe Kids Denver Metro works to prevent accidental childhood injury, the leading killer of children 14 years and under. Its members include individuals from over 50 health and safety agencies and organizations throughout the Denver metropolitan area. Safe Kids Denver Metro is a member of Safe Kids Worldwide, a global network of organizations dedicated to preventing accidental injury. Safe Kids Denver Metro was founded in 1998 and is led by The Children's Hospital.
