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Improperly installed 81% of the time
What's Up With That?
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"I've seen some real train wrecks," Christy said. "I've seen where the parents have used all three seat belts in the back seat to try and affix the safety seat."
Believe it or not, but when state police inspected 619 child safety seats across the state during National Child Safety Week, they found that 81 percent were improperly installed.
"Some parents never even look at the books that come with the vehicle and safety seat," Christy said. "Some have even used bungee cords to strap the safety seat in. This is not the time to be creative."
Most of the seats were not anchored properly to the vehicle seat. Other problems included facing the seat in the wrong direction, using a recalled seat or failing to use the harness to hold the child in the seat. Children under 4 must be in a safety seat and children up to age 8 must be in a booster seat if they are no longer in a car seat.
"I've never had one come through an inspection or seen one out on the road that has been put in right unless it was done by a technician," Christy said.
Christy worked with Amy Dufalla of Canton Township to make sure that the child safety seat was secure in her vehicle for her two-year-old son, Jack Dufalla. She and her husband, Jon Dufalla, had the seat in the middle of the back seat. Christy suggested moving it to the side, making it more secure and easier for them to get the toddler in and out of the vehicle.
"The hardest part is geeting the seat in tight and secure so it doesn't move," said Amy Dufalla.
She was happy to get Christy's advice.
"It only takes a few minutes to get the seat checked," she said. "It is worth the effort because it could save your child's life."
Part of the problem may be the instruction manuals, which Christy admits can be confusing.
"They are written at a 12th-grade level," Christy said. "Problem is, most people in the United States read at an eighth-grade level."
Parents should also check the seat to make sure it is compatible with their vehicle. Some stores will let potential buyers try fitting the seat in the car before buying it.
Christy said caregivers also can't forget about the seat once it has been installed.
"The height and weight of the child can change, so changes have to be made in the seat as well," Christy said.
Christy recommends replacing the seat after anywhere from seven to nine years.
"The seats are made well," Christy said. "But like other things made of plastic, it can be affected by temperature extremes. And the straps can degrade."
For information on fitting station locations, check www.psp.state.pa.us or with your local police department. Seats are checked, by appointment only, on the third Wednesday of each month at the Washington barracks. For information on resources for low-cost or free child safety seats, call 1-800-CAR-BELT.
Quick tips
• Do not use a child safety seat that has been involved in a crash.
• Do not attach mirrors, sun visors or toys to the seat. Only items that came with the seat should be used with it.
• Blankets, thick clothing or other objects should not be placed between the straps and child. During cold weather, place a blanket over the child and seat.
• Do not use a child safety seat that does not have labels on it. Also do not use a seat more than six years old.
• Harness straps should be snug against your child.
8th grade reading level... : 11/10/2008
Wow. I don't know what is worse... kids flying out of car seats or parents who can't fully grasp the complex ideas presented in Hop on Pop
car seats : 11/10/2008
I agree, the manuals are confusing. Thanks God for people like Christy, who has the knowledge to help parents. Now it's up to the parents to look out for their kids and get help with the installation of the car seats.
Who's Fault? : 11/10/2008
I have a doctorate, and I find the directions confusing. Common sense would indicate that if it was so damned simple, a police officer wouldn't need an entire WEEK in which to understand the ins and outs of child seat installation. Perhaps the reason 81% of these seats are improperly installed is due to something other than the supposed ignorance of the people?
