The Washington State Patrol says about half of all kids are sitting in car seats that are not installed correctly.
Car Seat Safety: Nearly Half of Parents Install Incorrectly
A striking statistic has emerged as Child Passenger Safety Week unfolds: approximately 48% of parents and caregivers have improperly installed their child’s car seats. This alarming figure, highlighted by the Washington State Patrol (WSP), shows widespread confusion on the proper installation and use of car seats to ensure the safety of young passengers.
Car crashes remain a leading cause of death for children aged 1 to 13, making the selection and correct installation of car seats so important. Each year, thousands of lives are saved by car seats, with a reported 325 children under five saved in just one year when they are correctly installed. Despite the widespread belief among caregivers and parents that they know how to install car seats correctly, many fall short, leading to unsafe conditions for their kids.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends that parents follow very specific guidelines based on their child’s age and size. The correct car seat can vary largely, with four main types: rear-facing car seats, forward-facing car seats, booster seats, and combination seats. Each type serves a unique purpose, ensuring that children of different sizes are safely secured as they grow…