Is Your Child Safe in Your Car?

With holiday shopping, visits to friends and family and Christmas vacations just around the corner the family car is getting a workout and so are you. We’ve been lucky with mild weather thus far but this being Chicago, you know snow is on the way. I know that buckling kids in and out of car seats can be a major pain in the you-know-where, but they are quite literally lifesavers. Car accidents remain the leading cause of death in children in the United States. Incorrect usage of car seats and child restraints play an integral part in why so many children die in car accidents. What’s really scary is that studies have shown that seven out of 10 car seats are not installed correctly.

No matter how short the trip, if your child is in the car he or she should be in a child safety seat. If your child weighs less than 80 pounds and is shorter than 57 inches a seat, the belt will lay across the child’s neck and belly. In the event of an accident this puts pressure on sensitive areas with the potential for serious injuries including spinal cord and abdominal injuries or even death.

Here are some tips to keep kids safe while traveling in the car:

Make sure you have the correct kind of car seat for your child’s age, height and weight.
a. Most infant carrier car seats only hold up to 22 pounds and should always be used in a rear-facing position.
b. New AAP recommendations state that children should remain rear facing until two years of age.
c. Consider using a convertible car seat that has a five-point restraint. Again, keep a child in a rear-facing position until age 2.
d. Booster seats should be used for children ages 4 to 8 or older. A child should continue to ride in a booster seat until he or she is at least 4 feet, 9 inches or taller, and 80 pounds no matter their age.
e. Children under age 13 should never sit in the front seat because air bags are powerful and can crush a child.

Make sure the car seat is installed and used correctly.
a. Read the car seat instructions and your vehicle owner’s manual thoroughly before attempting to install the seat into the car.
b. Never put a car seat in the front seat of a car.
c. Have a professional check to ensure the seat is installed correctly. Most police stations will check and install the car seat for free or visit www.seatcheck.org to find a safety seat inspection site close to you.
d. After placing a child in a car seat make sure the harness is level with the shoulders and the straps are secure and tight.

If possible, avoid buying a used car seat.
a. Car seats are expensive, but they can save your child’s life. A previously owned car seat should be used only if you are certain it has never been in an accident and has all parts including instructions.
b. Seats that are six years old, or older should never be used.

Set an example.
a. Always wear your seat belt. Studies show that 40 percent of drivers without seat belts had unrestrained children passengers as well.
b. Never drink and drive. More than two-thirds of fatally injured children were killed while riding with a drunk driver.

By taking these precautions the likelihood of your child being killed or disabled in a motor vehicle crash decreases significantly. It’s an easy way to save kids’ lives.

Tagged as: safety, pediatrics, children and health, leading cause of death, cars, car seats and travel

Dr. Anita Varkey is medical director of the general medicine clinic at Loyola Outpatient Center at Loyola University Health System. Dr. Varkey is an internist, researcher and professor who specializes in primary care, preventive medicine and women's health. "TCWell" focuses on health and wellness issues.