As parents, nothing is more important than the safety of our families. And the best asset we have is knowledge. And with kids in the car, you’re going to want to know more than how to handle proper car service (though that’s also important).
Simply put, we all need more information about car seats for littles.
And in this technological age, you might think that information flows easily. But unfortunately, sometimes the reverse is true. Sometimes, misinformation flows more freely.
Here are 6 myths about car safety you should know.
1. Minivans are the safest vehicles
When you think of the ideal family car, a minivan might come to mind. Even if you’re not a minivan person, you probably feel like it’s what you’re supposed to do.
But there’s one thing you should know. Minivans are classified by the federal government as “light trucks.” This means that they have different standards than passenger cars.
With that said, most minivans are very safe vehicles because they’re designed with families in mind, but you should always do your homework.
2. Installing a car seat is a no-brainer
Too many people brush off car seat safety because they think all car seats work in the same way. But if you know anything about car seat safety, you probably find it easy to spot kids who are buckled incorrectly. It’s a common and easily avoidable problem. If you’re unsure how to install and buckle your child into the car seat, you can take it to a certified car seat safety administrator to get it checked. Find your local person here.
3. Big kids don’t need a car seat
In reality, booster seats are a necessity and not an option. There are laws and the subject and some states even differ in the finer details (Take for example seat laws in California vs seat laws in Vermont). Vehicles are not designed to keep children safe on their own. It would be impossible to design a seat that’s perfect for all adults and children in any sort of impact. And a booster seat reduces injury risk upon impact by 45 percent compared to just using a seat belt. Is there any reason not to use one?
4. All car seats are the same
Just like cars, infant and child car seats are crash tested and rated for safety. Always check on the safety ratings of any car seat before you make a purchase. And make sure the seat is suited for your child’s age and size. Some seats are convertible so that you can use them for a longer period. But converting the seat usually means changing the straps. Check the car seat’s manual to figure out when and how to convert the seat as your child grows. Using a seat that your child has outgrown isn’t very safe either.
- The safest spot for a car seat is behind a front seat
Actually, the safest spot for a car seat is always in the middle. It seems counterintuitive because there’s no barrier between the child and the windshield, but this spot helps keep the child safer in side collisions and airbags. With that said, many parents with multiple children must use the side seats, and it is still a safe option. But if you have one car seat, you should try to install it in the center of the back seat.
Have you heard any of these myths? What do you think?
