Community Corner

Is Your Car Seat Installed Wrong?

Or is it the one out of four that is installed correctly?

By Lucy Bennett

Car seats are supposed to keep your child safe, but they can't do their job if they're not installed correctly.

Three out of four car seats is installed wrong, according to AAA.

"Child safety seats will save lives," Pennsylvania State police Lt. Col. George L. Bivens said, "but only when they are installed and used properly."

This is National Child Passenger Safety Week.

Pennsylvania law states that any child younger than 4 years must be in a federally approved car seat appropriate for the child's age, height and weight. Children ages 4 to 8 must be in a booster seat if they are too big for a car seat.

State police offer these tips:
  • Read and follow the car seat and vehicle manufacturer's instructions
  • Use the car's seat belt to anchor the seat to the car unless you are using a child safety seat with the LATCH system
  • Fill out and return the registration card for your seat so that you'll know if it is recalled because of a problem
  • Make sure that the seat's harness fits snugly
  • Use a tether strap if the seat requires it

These videos from the National Highway Traffic Administration can also help parents to correctly install the seats.


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