Child Safety Seats

Did you know that over 80% of all car seats are improperly installed? Did you know that motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for children age 5 to 15 years of age according to the National Highway Traffic Administration? Progressive Auto Insurance wants you to know some key facts about traveling safely with your children. Here's a short checklist:

1. Buckle Up on Every Trip.

2. Never place an infant or a child under 12 years of age in front of, or next to an airbag.

3. Have your children ride in the back seat as often as possible. The back seat is generally the safest place in a crash.

4. Infants should ride rear facing until a year of age and a minimum of 20-22 lbs. If your infant weighs 20 lbs before 1 year of age, select a child safe restraint approved for higher rear-facing weights.

5. Children over age one and at least 20 pounds may ride forward facing until 4 years and 40 lbs. or are 40" tall.

6. Children age 4-8 are safest in the backseat in a booster with a lap/shoulder belt until they are 80lbs.

7. Read the instructions for your automobile and your car seat before installing the seat.

8. Install the car seat securely and check its condition often. It should not move...it should be firmly secured in the vehicle.

9. There should be no more than 1 finger width of ease between a child's shoulder and the harness. The fit should be snug.

10. Never buy a used seat or use a recalled or defective seat. A seat that has been involved in any crash (even as slow as 10 mph) is damaged.

There are over 40 checkpoints for proper seat installation. Be sure to watch the “Post It” bulletin boards on your neighborhood web site for FREE child safety seat checkpoints in your neighborhood brought to you by Progressive Auto Insurance.

For reduced cost car seats checkout the Center for Injury Prevention at www.cipsafe.org The car seat will be shipped directly to your home.