Giving Your Young Child a Safety Boost
It's a sign you may have seen affixed to the back window of a passing car — "Precious Cargo On Board." It takes on even more importance considering car crashes are the leading cause of death for children ages one to 13. Here are four important steps to take to help transport your "precious cargo."
Research Manufacturers: Check customer reviews and visit www.nhtsa.gov/recalls to find safety recalls for the child safety seats you are considering. Once you've purchased one, be sure to complete the registration card provided by the manufacturer to receive automatic recall notifications directly from the manufacturer.
Choosing a Seat: The type of seat your child needs will be based on their age, weight, and height. Your child's first seat will be rear-facing and is typically used from five to 40 pounds. After age two, and when a child outgrows a rear-facing car seat by weight or height, move them to a forward-facing car seat with a harness and use the top tether. When your child outgrows the forward-facing seat, it's time for a booster seat.
Installation: Before installing your car seat, carefully read the manufacturer's instructions and your car owner's manual. Learn the Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) system to install your child's safety seat, using its straps or connections to special metal anchors in your vehicle.
Safety Check: Many municipalities offer free monthly child safety seat checks to insure they are correctly installed. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, you will need to contact your local police department to see if and when it conducts the inspection.
NJM Insurance Group’s Commitment to Safety
NJM’s enduring commitment to safety can be traced back to our earliest days — with a focus that has expanded from improving conditions in manufacturing facilities to helping keep customers safe on the roads and at home. NJM is a leader in personal and commercial auto, homeowners, and workers’ compensation insurance.
References:
“Buying the Right Car Seat,” https://www.safekids.org/tip/buying-right-car-seat.
“Car Seat Safety for Kids,” https://www.chop.edu/centers-programs/car-seat-safety-kids.
“Find the Right Car Seat for Your Child,” https://www.nhtsa.gov/equipment/car-seats-and-booster-seats.
“Child Passenger Safety,” https://www.cdc.gov/injury/features/child-passenger-safety/index.html, (October 14, 2022).
“Car Seat Safety: Avoid 9 Common Mistakes,” https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/infant-and-toddler-health/in-depth/car-seat-safety/art-20043939, (February 23, 2022).