FACTS ABOUT AIRBAGS
A rear-facing child seat put in the front seat of a car could be struck by an airbag with enough force to cause serious or fatal injuries. All children under 12 should ride in the back seat. Vehicles with airbags have markings: Air Bags, SRS (supplemental restraining system), Or SIR (supplemental inflatable restraint) on the steering wheel and dashboard.
Purchase an APPROVED car seat for the correct WEIGHT and height of your child, and check to be sure it has not been RECALLED.
Infant (under one year, and/or less than 20 lbs.) REAR-FACING car seat. Be sure it is approved for infants.
Older Kids (six years or less and 40—60 lbs.) BOOSTER seat until the car’s lap and shoulder belt fit correctly. The lap belt should fit low and SNUG on the child’s hips. The belt must not cross the child’s face or neck. Never put the shoulder belt behind the child’s back or under her arm.
All car seats must be securely strapped into the back seat of your car. More than 95 percent of car seats are not installed correctly thus increasing the danger to a child. Yakima County Safe Kids will inspect your installed car seat for free. Call 509-575-8484.
The SAFEST PLACE for children 12 and under is in the back seat.
Never hold a baby in your lap when you are riding in a car. Your child can be HURT or KILLED in a crash or fast stop.
For additional information, contact the Safety Restraint Coalition at 1-800-BUCK-L-UP.
PARENT ACTIVITY: After you install your car seat, have it inspected by Yakima County Safe Kids: Call 509-575-8484.
