We have all seen the “BABY ON BOARD” signs in cars. Maybe you even have one. While it may make the drivers around you more alert, there are also things you can do to help ensure your children are as safe as possible while in the car seat. Nance Cacciatore specializes in personal injury cases. We have seen the results of far too many car accidents. Because of this, we would like to offer some tips on how to keep your children safe while in the car.
Where Should My Car Seat Be Installed?
This is a great question because many parents don’t actually know where the safest place is for their children to be seated. The backseat is the safest place for children. According to Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, children should be seated in the back seat until at least age 12. Specifically, the middle seat is the recommended seat for a child, particularly a child in a car seat. If you have more than one child, then place the smallest child in the middle seat. This back seat recommendation has the added benefit of eliminating fights over who gets the front seat!
Does My Child Need to Be in a Car Seat?
Lucky for you, this question does not have an arbitrary answer. Each state has its own laws regarding children being restrained safely in vehicles. Let’s look at our Florida law to answer your question. According to Florida law, children aged 5 and under must be in a car seat designed for their specific age group. For example, an infant will have a different car seat than a 3-year-old.
If you are unsure how to install the necessary car seat or are unsure if you have installed it properly, you can find a hospital, police station, or fire station in your area that can either install it or inspect your installation for you. It is certainly worth your time to ensure that your child is properly secured.
Utilize the Child Locks
A final piece of safety advice we want to offer is to utilize the child locks for your rear windows and doors. If you do not know where the child locks are located in your vehicle, then check your vehicle’s manual or look online if you do not have your manual. These locks prevent children from rolling windows up or down, as well as preventing them from opening the back doors. Keeping little hands and feet inside the car is a safety issue. Moreso, keeping little bodies inside the car is a safety issue. Locking doors and rolling up windows is not always enough. Kids are curious and smart. Utilize the child locks!
If You or Your Child Is Injured in an Accident
If you or your child is injured in a motor vehicle accident in which you were not at fault, then you may need to give us a call at Nance Cacciatore. You don’t need to be worried about medical bills. You need to focus on you and your child getting well. Let us take care of the legal work while you take care of your little one. With over 55 years of experience, Nance Cacciatore is a premier personal injury law firm. We are here to help and look forward to serving you.
