6 Child-Safety Errors Parents Make in Cars

Mar. 3, 2014 — -- intro: Keeping your children safe in a car isn't easy. In fact, AAA has found that 75 percent of car seats are not properly installed. AAA has identified the top child-safety mistakes parents and caregivers make in cars.Here's how to correct the typical child-safety mistakes.

quicklist:title: Mistake: Moving child out of a booster seat too soon.text: Why: Seat belts won't properly protect a smaller person in a crash.

What to do: Wait until the lap portion fits across the hips, not abdomen, and the shoulder belt fits centered on the shoulder.

quicklist:title: Mistake: Seat or straps aren't tight enough.

text: Why: If the car seat and straps aren't tight enough, the seat will move and not protect the child's body.

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What to do: Make sure the seat doesn't move more than an inch. Check the harness straps to ensure they are snug.

quicklist:title: Mistake: Turn a child forward-facing too soon.text: Why: Young children are better protected in a car crash in rear-facing seats.

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What to do: Wait until a child is age 2 to turn him or her forward-facing.

quicklist:title: Mistake: Allowing a child under 13 to ride up front.text: Why: Front seat belts are designed for larger bodies, and in a car crash, air bags can seriously injure growing bones.What to do: Wait until children are in their teens to allow riding in the front seat.

quicklist:title: Mistake: Using LATCH (lower anchors and tethers for children) restraint system incorrectly.text: Why: Not using the top tether will allow the child's head to experience excessive forward movement in crashes. Using LATCH centered in the rear seat could cause it to work improperly.

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What to do: Ensure LATCH works in the seat position you've chosen and that the top tether is tightened snugly.

quicklist:title: Mistake: Transporting unsecured items, including pets.text: Why: Larger items such as suitcases and pets and even heavy backpacks and briefcases can become dangerous projectiles in a car crash.What to do: Secure all cargo, including pets, before driving.

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