Make sure children are safely buckled as well as yourself
Never leave children unattended in vehicles
Driving after dark increases the risks for teen drivers. It is harder to drive at night and teens are not very experienced
It is best for a child to remain rear facing to the weight and height limits of the car seat. Infants should be rear facing until they are both one year and twenty pounds at the very minimum
There is no single safest child safety seat for all children and vehicles. The safest seat is one that fits your child, fits your vehicle and one you will use correctly each and every time
Many manufacturers now put "expiration" dates on their car seats. Six (6) years is the general recommendation
The center of the rear seat is usually safest since it is farthest from a possible side impact, but only if your car seat fits well in that position
Ensure that all kids sit upright when using safety 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.
Tell every driver who transports your child that safety belt use is critical when your child is in their vehicle
For age 1 and more than 20 pounds: Use a forward-facing car seat correctly in a back seat every time your toddler rides in a car; Your car seat should not move more than one inch side to side or front to back; and adjust the chest clip to armpit level
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recommends booster seats for children until they are at least 8 years of age or 4'9" tall
All children ages 12 years and younger should ride in the back seat
A convertible or forward-facing seat with a 5-point harness is the safest option for children from 30-40 pounds who are not too tall for their forward-facing car seat
