Pat Goss' Vehicle Inspection Tips
Perform Routine Child Car Seat Inspections
It's been estimated that as many as half the child car seats installed
in the U.S. are done so improperly. For that reason, you should never
assume that your child is restrained safely in your car. Many children--placed
in car seats--have still been ejected and critically or fatally injured
during a car crash. Here are some tips for inspecting your child's car
seat:
- Make sure the car seat fits firmly against the back
of the seat.
- If you use an over-the-shoulder belt, utilize the locking
clip that is sold with the car seat.
- Ensure the car seat cannot move more than one inch in
any direction.
- Don't buy a used car seat unless you know it meets current
safety inspection guidelines.
- If the seat belt is connected to the frame of the door,
you may need to buy an additional tether.
- Even if you are certain you are using a child car seat
correctly you should routinely take advantage of free inspections in
your area, which are often sponsored by local children's hospitals
and other advocacy groups.
Inspections Vehicle History 