Car seats are safe
This is in response to the letter written by Linda Trader concerning car seat safety in the Monday edition of the Observer-Reporter. Trader is correct that over 80 percent of car seats are installed incorrectly, and unfortunately, a child died apparently due to not being restrained properly.
But it is not the car seat that is unsafe. As a child passenger safety technician instructor and paramedic, I have seen the results of children who are not restrained properly, and I understand Trader’s concern. However, car seats and vehicles must meet rigid federal safety standards for construction, safety and security. All car seats manufactured in the United States must have the same basic features to secure the child to the seat and the seat to the vehicle including harness width and strength, and the use of a latch to secure to the vehicle.
The problem is with the compatibility of the seat to the vehicle. Think of how many types of vehicles are on the road. Now think of how many different seat designs are in these vehicles, such as bench seats, bucket seats, leather seats and cloth seats. Now think about the different types of car seats available on the market, such as infant-only, convertible, forward-facing and booster, and the different features. This is why car seats are difficult to install. Trader made the comment that if fire extinguishers had an eighty percent misuse rate, would we use them? However, all fire extinguishers have the same design and are used the same way. If we made cars and car seats the same way, everyone would be safe.
If you have children, it is always best to have a certified child passenger safety technician inspect your car seat to make sure it is the correct seat for your child, correct fit for your child and that your child is secured to the seat properly, and the seat to the vehicle.
Christopher DeJohn
Washington