Seat Belt Safety: Buckle Up Correctly: Getting the right fit is as important as wearing it. It’s a must to adjust your belt properly. The strap that goes across your lap should fit snugly over your hips and upper thigh area. If the belt rides up on the stomach, it could cause serious injuries in a crash, Shoulder belts should rest securely across your chest and shoulders between your breasts. Don’t ever let the strap fall across your neck or face and never place the strap under your arms or behind your back. Any one of these positions can cause serious injury.Seat belt safety rules for infants and children
children are not small adults — they need specialized protection in a moving vehicle. “Their skeletal structure is different. Age, height, and weight determine the safest way for a child to travel.
children are not small adults — they need specialized protection in a moving vehicle. “Their skeletal structure is different. Age, height, and weight determine the safest way for a child to travel.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, here’s how to select the right option for your child:
· Rear-facing child safety seat: Children under age 1 and those who weigh less than 20 pounds should sit in rear-facing, child safety seats approved by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The seats should be placed in the backseat of the car.
· Forward-facing child safety seat: Children older than 1 who weigh more than 20 pounds should ride in forward-facing child safety seats. The seat should be placed in the rear of the vehicle until the child reaches the upper weight or height limit of the particular seat. Typically, a child will outgrow a safety seat around age 4 and once she reaches about 40 pounds.
· Booster seat: Children age 4 and older who weigh more than 40 pounds should ride in booster seats. A child can safely progress to a seat belt when the belt fits properly across the upper thighs and chest. · Seat belt: When children outgrow their booster seats, they can use seat belts, but they still should sit in the back of the vehicle. Sincerely all children should be riding in the backseat of the car until they are at least 13 years old,
A Clear Message on Seat Belt Safety
The National Safety Council recently reported a drop in traffic fatalities for 2008, indicating a record low since the 1920s when it began publishing statistical reports. One reason given for the decline is the increased use of seat belts.
The National Safety Council recently reported a drop in traffic fatalities for 2008, indicating a record low since the 1920s when it began publishing statistical reports. One reason given for the decline is the increased use of seat belts.
It takes only a few seconds to buckle up once you get in the car. Why wouldn’t you?
