BCAA out with troubling stats about child car seats
Posted February 23, 2017 11:09 am.
Last Updated February 23, 2017 11:37 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – A new survey that shows more than half of BC parents could be taking risks when it comes to using children’s car seats.
More than two-thirds of parents install the seats themselves, but the BCAA survey found 51 per cent have never checked they’re put in properly.
“If it’s not done properly then there is more chance of an injury in the event of a collision.” says Shawn Pettipas with the BCAA.
He says while they were shocked with the results, they believe parents aren’t being purposely negligent.
“We were surprised with the survey results because at every one of our car seat clinics, we find so many seats improperly installed, kids in the wrong type of seat, second-hand seats, and worried parents baffled after realizing how much they don’t know,” says Pettipas. “The bottom line is that many parents simply don’t know what they don’t know and may be making mistakes.”
He is also warning about the dangers of using second-hand seats.
“Just because it looks good, doesn’t always mean that it’s safe. If you absolutely have to use a used car seat, you should make sure you know 100 per cent of its history like has it ever been in a crash? Has it ever been dropped?”
BCAA’s key tips for child car seat safety include.
- Use correct child car seat for child’s age and size. Take note of weight and height limits for car seats.
- Ensure proper installation. Read vehicle and child car seat manuals before using child car seat. Proper installation includes the child car seat being placed on an appropriate vehicle seat, positioned correctly and properly secured.
- Find a local car seat clinic. Parents and caregivers can attend workshops like ones offered by BCAA to learn more and receive hands-on installation education. If a car seat clinic is unavailable in your area or you have questions, contact BCAA’s Child Passenger Safety information line at 1-877-247-5551.
- Ensure your child is properly placed and secured in the car seat.
- Regularly check car seat position and condition.
- If a second-hand car seat must be used, be absolutely certain of its full history. Ensure the seat hasn’t been involved in any collision or dropped. Check for recalls and ensure it is within its expiry date.
