Fall is here, and each October brings National Car Safety Month. Canadians are urged to "look down the road," both literally and symbolically to address safety needs before they occur.
This October, much of the focus will be on children. "There is no greater act of looking down the road than thinking of your children and their vehicle safety needs," said Patty Kettles, manager, of marketing and communications for Be Car Care Aware, a consumer education campaign focusing on the benefits of regular vehicle maintenance, care and repair.
Here are some tips to remember for keeping kids safe in the car:
Even a slow speed crash can cause severe injury or even death to children if they are not properly restrained.
To ensure a child's safety, Be Car Care Aware parents to follow these simple steps regarding child safety seats:
? Properly install your child seats.
? Ensure harness straps fit snugly around the child's body.
? A rear-facing infant seat should never be installed in a seating position equipped with an air bag.
? Canadian law says that the forward-facing child restraint must be secured to the vehicle frame using the tether strap at the top of the seat.
? Booster seats are required for children under the age of eight or who weigh between 18 and 36 kg (40 to 80 lbs.) or who stand less than 145 cm (4 feet 9 inches) tall.
? A child can start using a seatbelt alone once any one of the following criteria is met: the child turns eight years old; the child weighs 36 kg (80 pounds); or the child is 145 cm (4 feet 9 inches) tall.
Children 12 and under should be properly restrained in the back seat, especially if there is a passenger-side air bag. Finally, always set a good example and make sure everyone in the car wears their own seat belt.
Source - Be Car Care Aware Canada
