Whether you are a new parent bringing baby home for the first time or have a toddler who is ready for a booster seat, a properly installed car seat can save your little one’s life.
But recent research shows a majority of Canadian parents do not know how to properly install or use car and booster seats, with misuse rates ranging from 44 to 81 percent for car seats and 30 to 50 percent for booster seats. Attending an installation clinic can help.
In response to the need for more accessible installation clinics, Chevrolet has launched the national Safe and Sure Child Car Seat Installation Workshop Program. Working with Parachute, the program is available at Chevrolet dealerships in Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal this spring. Parents can get expert advice on installing car seats into any model of vehicle for free. Visit safeandsure.ca for details.
Here are some Do’s and Don’ts about child car safety:
DOensure your child’s car seat is installed properly. According to the Canadian Paediatric Society, a properly installed child seat or child restraint system (CRS) reduces the risk of fatal injury by 71 percent and risk of serious injury by 67 percent.
DO check the carseat’s expiry date. If it isn’t listed on thelabel or seat itself call the manufacturerdirectly to get thedate for your model.
DON’Tcave to the pressure to rush your kids out of a booster seat. The height threshold is 145 cm (4’9”).
DON’Tcontinue to use a car or booster seat if it’s been in a car accident. Even if there is no visible damage to the seat, a crash can still compromise the integrity of the seat.
DON’Tbe afraid to seek out help if you’re unsure. Visit your local fire or police station online or in person to ask about car seat safety programs.
Originally published in ParentsCanada magazine, May 2014.
