Did you know that 75% of car seats are installed incorrectly? That’s three quarters of all car seats, which means it’s highly likely you or someone you know is installing the car seat in their vehicle incorrectly. Having a properly installed car seat is crucial for the safety of your child, so make sure you follow these tips for correct installation every time.
- Read The Car Seat Manual Carefully
According to the Government of Canada, “Each child car seat stage is different. It is important to read and follow the instructions for your specific child car seat or booster seat model.” Be sure to read over the warnings and pay attention to the installation instructions for the make and model of your vehicle.
- Pay Attention to the Location of Your Car Seat
Statistically speaking, it’s safer to install your car seat in the middle of the car, but if you can’t have a good installation, or if you need to have your baby in the front seat for a long drive, side seats are also safe when you install your seat correctly. It’s crucial to thoroughly understand the latch system of your car seat, especially if you move your car seat around often.
- Check For Movement
Make sure that you check for movement when installing your car seat. Even if you follow the guidelines correctly, every vehicle is different and not every car seat will fit. If you notice that your baby’s car seat is moving back and forth while driving, adjust the car seat in your vehicle, or change it for one that properly fits the car you drive.
- Consider Other Riders
If you drive a carpool or pick up the kids from soccer practice, consider the likelihood that the occupants of your car may move your car seat out of its optimal position. If you have a two door car and drive kids around often, it may make more sense to drive with your car seat in the front seat to avoid jostling the car seat.
- Keep An Eye Out
Install a mirror on the seat where your baby is sitting in their car seat to make sure that they are comfortable when you’re driving. You may think that they are secure but you could find that your baby’s head or arms aren’t in the right position while you are driving or that the straps on the actual seat move around. Because many infant car seats are rear-facing, it could be difficult to ascertain if your child is having trouble without the installation of the mirror in your vehicle.
Nothing is more important than the safety of your children, that’s why driving with the proper car seat is so important, along with regularly maintain your car and driving with the proper coverage. Your insurance provider may have specific requirement for children, so make sure you check with your broker. If you’re looking to change you coverage, compare your car insurance to others on the market first to make sure you’re getting the best price possible.