If you have children, chances are you own a car seat or two. Even though they are bulky, may be difficult to secure in your vehicle and inconvenient at times, their use is imperative to the safety and well-being of your children while traveling in a vehicle. At Gellner Law Offices, we are committed to helping people who have been victims of automobile accidents in West Virginia.
One of the most common myths about car seat use is that as long as you are using a car seat of some kind for your child, he or she is safe. In reality, that car seat has to be the right size, style and model to accommodate your child’s height, weight and physical needs. You may need to even account for the make and model of your vehicle to verify that the car seat you own can be properly fastened onto the bench of your car. If improperly installed, or if the car seat you have is expired our outdated, it can be counterproductive to your child’s safety.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, your children should always ride in the backseat of your vehicle and never near an airbag. You should demonstrate through your example, the habit of putting on your seatbelt before your vehicle begins moving. Help your children form this habit as well and if they are traveling with a friend or another family member, verify that they have adequate protection for the ride.
When you see the value of having a child restraint for each of your children and understand how to use car seats properly, you can be more confident in their ability to stay safe if you are involved in a collision. For more information, if you have been hurt in a car accident, visit our web page.