Driving in and around Seattle can be quite an experience—and not always in a good way. It's normal to be nervous about being involved in a car accident, but when there's a child in the car, you want to do everything possible to keep that little one safe from other negligent drivers.
If you ever drive with a small child in your vehicle, you should be aware of the Washington State Safety Restraint Coalition (WSSRC) and the important tools and programs they have available to help you properly restrain a child while driving. The WSSRC is a non-profit organization whose mission is to save lives and reduce unintentional injuries related to motor vehicles. On their website, they provide great advice including how to know what kind of car seat your child should be sitting in:
- Rear-facing Infant Seat: These seats usually fit babies who weigh 5 to 22 pounds, but there are some models that can accommodate children who are slightly smaller or larger. All infant seats have a handle to use to carry the baby, but you must purchase a convertible car seat when the baby reaches the upper weight limit or when his head is within one inch of the top of the seat.
- Convertible Car Seat: These seats are generally for kids between 5 to 40 pounds and up to 40 inches. Some models accommodate children up to 80 pounds, so be sure to check before purchasing. These car seats can convert from a rear-facing seat to a forward-facing seat for older children, so they're convenient because you have one seat that can see the child through two stages.
- Forward-facing Car Seat: These seats are only used facing forward and never for a child who weighs less than 20 pounds or is under one year of age. They are usually best for a child who weighs 20 to 40 pounds and is up to 40 inches tall.
- Booster Seat: Booster seats are for bigger kids who have outgrown a car seat but still need a boost to properly position the adult lap and shoulder belt. Use the booster as long as possible, until it is no longer needed.
Consult the WSSRC's website for more information about child seat safety. The information is invaluable and can save your child's life in the event you're involved in a car accident in Seattle.
Want to learn more about car accidents in Washington state? Call Max Meyers Law at 425-399-7000 to request free, no-strings-attached copies of our books Car Insurance Buying Secrets Unlocked, and Car Accident Secrets Unlocked.
