Booster Seats Protect Children
Topics: belt-positioning booster seats, vehicle safety, auto accident, Child safety
When a child outgrows or “graduates” from a child safety seat, they are not ready to just hop in the car, put on a safety belt, and go. Safety belts are designed for a 165-pound adult. There is an important transition to make ‘ using a “belt positioning” (not a “shield” style) booster seat that meets federal safety standards.
Unfortunately, most of the 20 million children in the U.S. who should be in a booster seat in the car are not. While the worst-case scenario is for a child to be in an automobile unrestrained, having the wrong restraint can also pose a serious risk.
A child wearing a poorly-fitted adult safety belt can sustain serious, life-threatening injuries, including being ejected from a vehicle during a crash. Using just a seat belt, kids are 3.5 time more likely to suffer significant injury, and four times more likely to suffer a head injury. Booster seats are 60 percent more effective than seat belts alone.
With child passengers, lap belts ride up on the abdomen, and shoulder belts can cut across the face or neck. Children are not only safer, but can see better and are more comfortable in a booster seat that allows the safety belt to fit and function as intended. Booster seats do this by raising a child to a height so that a lap and shoulder belt fit properly. The lap belt should ride low, below the hip bones and across the top of the thighs, not on the stomach, and the shoulder belt should cross the middle of the chest and shoulder or collarbone. This helps protect the internal organs, spine and head from injury in the event of a car crash.
Does Your Child Need a Booster Seat?
How do you know if your child needs to be in a booster seat? Children who have outgrown a child safety seat should ride in a booster seat until they are at least eight years old, or four feet, nine inches tall. Generally, kids from four to eight years old, and from 40 to 80 pounds, need to be in a booster seat. Some smaller children may need a booster seat until age ten or longer.
Indicators that a booster seat is needed include an inability to sit all the way back against the seat back; an inability to bend the knees comfortably at the edge of the seat; a safety belt that does not cross the child’s shoulder between the neck and arm; a lap belt that does not sit low across the abdomen, touching the hips and thighs; and an inability for the child to be comfortable and stay seated like this for the entire trip.
Are Booster Seats Really Safe?
Many parents and caregivers incorrectly believe that booster seats may not be safe. Concerns include that booster seats are loose fitting and unstable that might not adequately restrain a child in a crash, but these are unfounded.
Children should stay in their car safety seat as long as possible before moving to a booster seat. Once your child reaches the upper weight or height allowed for your seat, as listed on the label and instruction manual for the seat), or his/her ears have reached the top of the seat, it’s time to move to the booster seat.
Booster seats, used in the back seat, are held in place by the seatbelt, and used with the lap and shoulder belts, just as an adult uses them. They are not tethered to the car like a child car seat. High-back and backless booster seats are available, and should be used until your child can correctly fit in lap and shoulder seat belts. Never use a booster seat with just a lap belt, as serious injury may result.
If your child was injured as the result of an ineffective car seat, you may have a legal claim. Contact an unsafe products or car crash attorney immediately for more information.
LegalView.com is your source for everything legal. Visit legalview.com. Visitors to LegalView.com can get help to find a construction accident lawyer, a mesothelioma attorney, and more. You can also get help to find an auto accident lawyer at crash.legalview.com.
Previous Articles Highlighter:
How To Reel In Big Bass In Texas (1)
Over 6 pounds per is pushing expectations here, but the scenery is beautiful and the bounty is plentiful. Check the Cyprus trees at Caddo Lake to find some great hiding spots.
Find The Best Elliptical Machine Online And Save Money (2)
While using an elliptical machine gives you a no-impact workout, the resistance exercise helps to build bone density and prevent osteoporosis. They help provide healthy bodies by maintaining this healthy bone density.
The Truth About An African Safari In Mexico (3)
Puebla is host to one of the most popular animal parks in Northern America and plays host to thousands of visitors a year. The African safari area is one of the more popular sections and has designated areas named after some of Africa's popular destinations.
Spend An Exciting, Affordable Holiday In Cape Town! (4)
If you want a little more than what the St. James - Kalk Bay - Fish Hoek coastline has to offer, there are plenty of fine restaurants and curio shops in and around the center of town to keep you interested.
Bass Fishing Around The World: Where To Fish For Bass! (5)
Various companies now offer bass fishing holidays if you would prefer to go on a specialist tour, but you can organize a trip yourself. Most areas that are known for bass fishing do present a challenge for you, but you should do your research to find out what species reside where so you can have a head start on the rest of your fishing party!
Different Types Of Ice Skates (6)
The wearers of them need to be able to move forwards very fast as opposed to moving in all sorts of different directions. This means that the blades are much longer than the boot and are flat in order to aid forward skating.
Choose The Right Limousine For Your Needs (7)
Once you have decided on the number of people that will using the limousine you can now decide which of the many styles will suit you needs. For parties of up to ten the classic sedan is always a good choice.
False Bay: The Western Cape Coast Most People Miss (8)
As you arrive in Kalk Bay, you are greeted by far more to do than you will ever have time to accomplish in a single day. The main road is lined with cafes, restaurants and curio shops.
The Limo - From Workhorse To Luxury (9)
Considering the use of the limousine today it is perhaps still a workhorse, but what a beautiful workhorse it is! Dror Klar is an advocate and writer about top quality Limousine Services.
6 Criteria To Help You Choose The Most Efficient Fishing Boat Trader (10)
That is not being sneaky, it is being smart. After all you will be spending a lot of good money on a new boat, and you should take all precautions to evaluate the efficiency of the dealer.
Newer Articles Highlighter:
Deep Sea Fishing Tips (1)
They will take a variety of baits and lures, with squid, sardines, mackerels, and anchovies being the most preferred. One thing to keep in mind when dealing with yellowtail is that they are extremely fast.
Becoming A Home-Run Hero (2)
Commitment. Drive. Enthusiasm. Passion. They are all words you'll hear from your coach, but what do they actually mean in real terms? What they mean is the sum total of success and team spirit, and in achieving these virtues you will be achieving something in yourself.
General Saltwater Fishing Regulations (3)
Nations claim a certain number of miles offshore before international waters commence and it is in these national waters that a country may regulate. In addition, in the United States, each state may have its own regulations.
An Overview On Hunting Basics (4)
Since you don't need a large amount of equipment to go hunting, it also appeals to people on a budget. As well, the truly gadget happy will also be overjoyed to discover that there are gadgets, sprays and lures for nearly every game animal you can think of.
Spelling Games: A Fun And Easy Way To Learn (5)
A google search might be a good beginning. First parents could take a look, and then show their children how to search and how to choose a safe, easy, fun game.
Getting Satellite For Your RV Makes Life Easy On The Road (6)
Recreational vehicle owners can purchase satellites that will only pick up signals while the vehicle is stationary or a better option that is now available are the satellites systems that will pick up satellite signals while you are traveling down the road.
Family Camping In The Isle Of Wight - The Thrill And Pleasure! (7)
Sparky's Krew is yet another exciting place for older kids (5 to 11 years) as they have staff who organize games and activities for them while bigger children are sure to have the time of their life at the Mix!
Car And Chauffeur Hire For All Classes (8)
Stupid fool, I yell at him, and get back into the car slamming my dress in the door and tearing it in the process! Now I'm getting stressed and hot and my make up is beginning to run!
Play Golf To Seal That Business Deal (9)
This provides a touch that is reminiscent of professional golf tournaments and is an effective way of increasing friendly competition between the participating golfers. The main benefit of a corporate golf day is that the golf course will usually provide staff to organise the day along the lines a professional tournament and create a really memorable event.
3 Tips On Choosing The Perfect Tent For Camping! (10)
Topics: camping, adventure, tent, vacation, picnic, hiking, tent, camping gear, camping equipment Getting the right kind of basic camping gear is of utmost importance in determining the fun factor in your outdoor vacation's success scope and knowing which is the best type of tent for camping outdoors in a particular season is the best way to begin narrowing down your search.