Studies show that 46 percent of baby car seats are not used properly. This puts infants in a very precarious position. After all, any type of road accident in Jacksonville, FL instantly becomes more dangerous if there’s an issue with the baby car seat. In fact, the proper usage of a car seat reduces accident injuries by up to 82 percent.
Florida averages more than 400,000 annual car accidents. Therefore, we’re going to highlight some of the best ways to ensure all your baby car seats are properly installed.
Verify the Car Seat is the Right Size
Every car seat has its own specific weight and height limitations. It’s vital that you pick the right seat to suit your baby’s needs. Make sure you also switch to a different car seat as soon as your child gets near the height or weight restriction. Additionally, always use a rear-facing car seat for at least the first two years of your baby’s life.
Use the Correct Harness and Buckle Position
The car seat’s harness straps and buckle are all that stand between your baby and a serious injury during an accident. Unfortunately, if these components aren’t adjusted properly, they can become very dangerous. Always read the instructions for each new car seat and follow them to the letter. Any child in a rear-facing car seat needs to have their harness straps adjusted to sit at or below their shoulders. Similarly, you must find the appropriate buckle position for maximum protection.
Tighten the Harness
After your baby is buckled in, you’ll need to tighten the car seat harness. Use gentle, short pulls on the webbing tail to achieve the correct level of tightness. The harness needs to be snug, with no gaps or excess webbing.
If your vehicle’s windshield currently has any chips or cracks, you run the risk of the glass shattering during an accident. Having your infant in a rear-facing seat will provide them with some protection, but it’s best to avoid this situation altogether. Visit our auto glass services page or call (866) 300-5013 for more details about auto glass.