How to Choose a Car Seat that Best Protects Against Accidents
Children are extremely vulnerable in car accidents, which is why Alaska and other US states have enacted laws requiring them to be securely restrained depending on age. Statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration(NHTSA) reveal that 40% of children under 18 years old who are killed in traffic collisions were not restrained by a car seat, booster, seatbelt, or other lawful restraint. Plus, around 163,000 children suffer injuries in auto crashes annually.
As a parent, you might be overwhelmed by the choices and safety features available for car seats. An initial factor is age, as Alaska law has different requirements for children under 1, 4, and 8 years old. However, you also have plenty of options to choose from within these categories, so some tips may be helpful. The following features of car seats are among the best for protecting your child from serious injuries in an Anchorage car accident.
Critical Safety Features
Your budget may allow certain bells and whistles, but any car seat that you purchase must have the basic safety features:
- A five-point harness, with two shoulder straps, two waist straps, and one strap that goes between the legs to connect the harness;
- Cushions around your baby’s head; and,
- A secure base for attaching to your vehicle’s factory-installed seatbelts.
Compliance With Federal Safety Standards
Check the label of any car seat that you are researching, and the specific language to look for is a statement of compliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213. Some models are available in the US, but they were manufactured under the regulations of another country.
Child’s Size
In addition to the age of the child, Alaska has laws on your child’s height and weight when looking at car seats.
- A child under 20 pounds must be in a rear-facing car seat for additional protection.
- Children 1 to 4 years old can be in a forward-facing car seat if they weigh at least 20 pounds.
- A 4- to 8-year-old child, under 4 feet 9 inches and weighing less than 65 pounds, must be in a booster.
Ease of Installation
Even the most secure car seat can fail to protect your child if it is improperly installed. Constant removal and replacement of car seats can be a problem, because parents may overlook mistakes in their haste. It is important to ensure the restraint device is easy to transport and that you take extra precautions when re-installing. Some car seats have bases that allow for click-in installation, and you can have one in each car.
Our Alaska Car Accident Attorneys Will Help with Remedies
Once you check for these important safety features for car seats, you should also consider your budget and convenience factors. If your child suffered injuries in an auto crash, please contact Power & Power Law to learn about your legal options. You can call 907-222-9990 or go online to reach our offices in Anchorage. We can set up a no-cost case assessment with a knowledgeable Alaska traffic collision lawyer.