Child Seat Safety Presented by Bryant Nowlin Lynchburg Police Department

Child Seat SafetyChild Seat Safety

Presented byPresented by

Bryant NowlinBryant Nowlin

Lynchburg Police DepartmentLynchburg Police Department

Why Are We Here?Why Are We Here?

To promote Child Seat Safety To promote Child Seat Safety

To help with the proper selection of a child To help with the proper selection of a child seat for a childseat for a child

To help with the proper use of child seatsTo help with the proper use of child seats

To help with the decision of when to go To help with the decision of when to go with using a vehicle safety beltwith using a vehicle safety belt

Do child Safety Seats Work?Do child Safety Seats Work?

When used correctly they are up to:When used correctly they are up to:

71% effective in preventing fatalities.71% effective in preventing fatalities.

69% effective in reducing need for 69% effective in reducing need for hospitalization.hospitalization.

50% effective in preventing minor injuries.50% effective in preventing minor injuries.

The facts of Child Seat UseThe facts of Child Seat Use

Motor Vehicle Crashes are the leading Motor Vehicle Crashes are the leading cause of death for children of every age cause of death for children of every age from 0 to 14 years old.from 0 to 14 years old.An average of 7 children ages 0 – 15 An average of 7 children ages 0 – 15 years old were killed and 830 were injured years old were killed and 830 were injured each day in crashes in the U.S. during each day in crashes in the U.S. during 2002. 2002. An average of 5 children ages 0 – 15 An average of 5 children ages 0 – 15 were killed and 646 were injured in 2004.were killed and 646 were injured in 2004.

The Facts of Child Seat SafetyThe Facts of Child Seat Safety

Although the number of deaths and Although the number of deaths and injuries went down. The number injuries went down. The number unrestrained or improperly restrained unrestrained or improperly restrained children 4 and older went up.children 4 and older went up.


During 2004 1,859 children ages 0 – 15 During 2004 1,859 children ages 0 – 15 were killed in passenger vehicles.were killed in passenger vehicles.

53% were unrestrained 53% were unrestrained

(breakdown of group)(breakdown of group)

36% - 0 to 4 years old36% - 0 to 4 years old

52% - 5 to 9 years old52% - 5 to 9 years old

63% -10 to 15 years old63% -10 to 15 years old


In 2004, there were 235,912 children In 2004, there were 235,912 children 0 – 15 were injured in passenger vehicle 0 – 15 were injured in passenger vehicle crashes.crashes.

(Breakdown of Group)(Breakdown of Group)

56,354 injured 0 – 4 years old56,354 injured 0 – 4 years old

65,860 injured 5 – 9 years old65,860 injured 5 – 9 years old

113,698 injured 10 – 15 years old 113,698 injured 10 – 15 years old


Data shows that the majority of the Data shows that the majority of the occupants killed or injured were occupants killed or injured were unrestrained or improperly restrained.unrestrained or improperly restrained.


Use of child restraints in vehicles falls from Use of child restraints in vehicles falls from 91% to 69% when children reach age 4.91% to 69% when children reach age 4.

An estimated 80 – 90% of children who An estimated 80 – 90% of children who should be using a booster seat are not.should be using a booster seat are not.

More than 40% of child passengers under More than 40% of child passengers under the age 8 who die or suffer incapacitating the age 8 who die or suffer incapacitating injuries in crashes were completely injuries in crashes were completely unrestrained.unrestrained.


Nationwide the use of Child Safety Seats Nationwide the use of Child Safety Seats is up over 90%.is up over 90%.

The national average for misuse of Child The national average for misuse of Child Safety Seats is up over 95%Safety Seats is up over 95%

The Average for misuse of Child Safety The Average for misuse of Child Safety Seats in the Lynchburg area is 98% Seats in the Lynchburg area is 98%

Virginia’s Child Restraint Law

(Code of Virginia Article 13 - Section 46.2-1095B)(Code of Virginia Article 13 - Section 46.2-1095B) Effective July 1, 2007: Children age 8 Effective July 1, 2007: Children age 8

through age 15 (until age 16)through age 15 (until age 16) Child restraints are required for children Child restraints are required for children

throughthrough the age of seven. the age of seven.The law applies to anyone (i.e. parents, grandparents, babysitters, The law applies to anyone (i.e. parents, grandparents, babysitters,

friends) who provides transportation for a child in any vehicle friends) who provides transportation for a child in any vehicle manufactured after January 1, 1968. Public transportation (taxis, manufactured after January 1, 1968. Public transportation (taxis,

buses), regulationbuses), regulationschool buses, and farm vehicles are exempted.school buses, and farm vehicles are exempted.

Virginia’s Child Restraint Law

(Code of Virginia Article 13 - Section 46.2-1095B)(Code of Virginia Article 13 - Section 46.2-1095B)

Effective July 1, 2007: Children age 8 Effective July 1, 2007: Children age 8 through age 15 (until age 16)through age 15 (until age 16)

Child restraints are required for children Child restraints are required for children throughthrough the age of seven. the age of seven.

The law applies to anyone (i.e. parents, grandparents, babysitters, friends) who The law applies to anyone (i.e. parents, grandparents, babysitters, friends) who provides transportation for a child in any vehicle manufactured after January 1, provides transportation for a child in any vehicle manufactured after January 1,

1968. Public transportation (taxis, buses), regulation1968. Public transportation (taxis, buses), regulationschool buses, and farm vehicles are exempted.school buses, and farm vehicles are exempted.

Child Restraint LawChild Restraint Law

(Code of Virginia Article 13 - Section 46.2-1095A)(Code of Virginia Article 13 - Section 46.2-1095A)

Major requirements of Virginia's Child Restraint Law:

Effective July 1, 2007: Child restraint devices are required for children through the age of seven

(until 8th birthday). Child restraint devices must be properly used and meet

standards adopted by the United StatesDepartment of Transportation.


• The safety seat law is primary enforcement no other violation need be committed prior to ticketing for failureto have a child in an approved seat.

• A $50 civil penalty fine is assessed for failure to have a child in a safety seat (1st Offense), (2nd or subsequence offenses up to $ 500 per violation).

•A $20 civil penalty fine is assessed when persons transporting a child exempted due to medical reasons do not carry a written statement of the exemption. •All fines collected go into a special fund to purchase safety seats for low-income families.

Child Restraint Law

Effective July 1, 2007: Rear-facing child restraint devices must be placed in the back seat of a vehicle. In the

event the vehicle does not have a back seat, the child restraint device may be placed in the front passenger

seat only if the vehicle is either not equipped with a passenger side airbag , an automatic shut off or pressure switch or the

passenger side airbag hasbeen deactivated.


An infant in a rear-facing child restraint should NEVER be positioned in the pathof a frontal air bag.

Air bags can cause serious injury or death to children, especially infants in rear-facing child seats.

Choosing the Correct SeatChoosing the Correct Seat

Things to consider when choosing a child Things to consider when choosing a child seat are:seat are:

What type seat should I get? What type seat should I get?

What is the height & weight of the ChildWhat is the height & weight of the Child

Will it fit your vehicle?Will it fit your vehicle?

Is the seat new or used?Is the seat new or used?

Will the seat be used correctly every time?Will the seat be used correctly every time?

Types of Child SeatsTypes of Child Seats

Infant Carriers: Are Infant Carriers: Are for rear-facing infants for rear-facing infants from birth to 17- 22 from birth to 17- 22 pounds. There are pounds. There are some models that some models that now have higher now have higher weight ranges.weight ranges.


Convertible Seats: Convertible Seats: Can be used rear-Can be used rear-facing or forward facing or forward facing (check label on facing (check label on seat for maximum seat for maximum weigh limits). The weigh limits). The Seats have a internal Seats have a internal harness system to harness system to hold the child in hold the child in place. place.


Toddler Seats: Are Toddler Seats: Are forward-facing only forward-facing only and use an internal and use an internal harness system like harness system like convertible seats. convertible seats. Some models can be Some models can be converted from a converted from a toddler seat to a toddler seat to a booster seat.booster seat.


Booster Seats: Come in 2 Booster Seats: Come in 2 types (High Back & types (High Back & Low/Backless). Low/Backless). Both types are used for Both types are used for older children when they older children when they have reached the limit for have reached the limit for the internal harness the internal harness system of their Toddler system of their Toddler seat or Convertible seat. seat or Convertible seat. Most models can be used Most models can be used until the Child large until the Child large enough to use a standard enough to use a standard vehicle lap and shoulder vehicle lap and shoulder belt system. belt system.

How does Height & Weight affect How does Height & Weight affect choosing a Seat?choosing a Seat?

All child safety seats are manufactured and All child safety seats are manufactured and designed for specific children’s height & weight. designed for specific children’s height & weight.

Each new seat will have a label on it giving the Each new seat will have a label on it giving the minimum and maximum height & weight.minimum and maximum height & weight.

Child Safety seats with internal harnesses will Child Safety seats with internal harnesses will give you the maximum weight that the give you the maximum weight that the manufacturer will guarantee the safety of the manufacturer will guarantee the safety of the seat. seat.

Child Safety Seats & Your CarChild Safety Seats & Your Car

NOT EVERY CHILD SAFETY SEAT WILL FIT NOT EVERY CHILD SAFETY SEAT WILL FIT IN YOUR CAR!IN YOUR CAR!Bigger is not always better.Bigger is not always better.When buying a new seat some places will let When buying a new seat some places will let you take the seat out to your car to see if it can you take the seat out to your car to see if it can properly be installed in your car before you take properly be installed in your car before you take it home (saving you from having to bring it back).it home (saving you from having to bring it back).Always follow the installation instructions for the Always follow the installation instructions for the seat.seat.REMEMBER IF IT DOEN’T FIT DON’T FORCE REMEMBER IF IT DOEN’T FIT DON’T FORCE IT!IT!

New vs. Used Safety SeatsNew vs. Used Safety Seats

There is nothing wrong with using a used Child There is nothing wrong with using a used Child Safety seat if:Safety seat if:

1. You know the history of the seat.1. You know the history of the seat. 2. It Has never been in a serious car crash.2. It Has never been in a serious car crash. 3. The seat has all of the labels required 3. The seat has all of the labels required by federal law on it.by federal law on it. 4. The seat is less than 6 years old.4. The seat is less than 6 years old. 5. See If the seat on the recall list & if so; 5. See If the seat on the recall list & if so; what for ? what for ?

New vs. Used Safety SeatsNew vs. Used Safety Seats

All new child safety seats should have a All new child safety seats should have a registration card with it.registration card with it.

All new Child Safety sold in the U.S. All new Child Safety sold in the U.S. should have labels on it giving: should have labels on it giving:

1. The date of manufacture1. The date of manufacture

2. Model number 2. Model number

3. Expiration date of the seat (may be 3. Expiration date of the seat (may be

stamped into the seat).stamped into the seat).

Using The SeatUsing The Seat

The seat should be one that fits your car.The seat should be one that fits your car.

The Seat should be one fits your child.The Seat should be one fits your child.

The Seat should be one that will be used The Seat should be one that will be used correctly EVERYTIME.correctly EVERYTIME.

Installation of Child Safety SeatsInstallation of Child Safety Seats

Proper installation of a child safety seat Proper installation of a child safety seat will vary depending on whether the seat will vary depending on whether the seat will be:will be:

Rear FacingRear Facing

Forward FacingForward Facing

Using LATCH (Forward or Rear Facing) Using LATCH (Forward or Rear Facing)


When secured, the seat should move no more When secured, the seat should move no more than 1 inch side to side or front to back.than 1 inch side to side or front to back.

ALWAYS check for tightness at the belt path ALWAYS check for tightness at the belt path being used.being used.

Thick towels or blankets should no be used to Thick towels or blankets should no be used to place under seats (They may compress and place under seats (They may compress and leave the seat belt or LATCH straps loose).leave the seat belt or LATCH straps loose).


Rear Facing Seats (Infant Carrier / Convertible):Rear Facing Seats (Infant Carrier / Convertible):The back of the seat should be positioned no more than The back of the seat should be positioned no more than 45 degree angle (May require a noodle or rolled towel to 45 degree angle (May require a noodle or rolled towel to lift the base of the seat into the correct position. Always lift the base of the seat into the correct position. Always check manual for correct angle.check manual for correct angle.If the seat has an angle indicator use it to insure proper If the seat has an angle indicator use it to insure proper angle.angle.Improper angle of seat (too upright) could cut off the Improper angle of seat (too upright) could cut off the child’s airway.child’s airway.The belt path going through bottom of the seat should be The belt path going through bottom of the seat should be used whether using seat belt or LATCH (unless used whether using seat belt or LATCH (unless otherwise recommended by the manufacturer).otherwise recommended by the manufacturer).


Ensure that the Harness straps are at or below Ensure that the Harness straps are at or below the rear facing child’s shoulders.the rear facing child’s shoulders.Ensure that the harness clip is at the child’s Ensure that the harness clip is at the child’s armpits.armpits.If it is a small child you use rolled up blankets If it is a small child you use rolled up blankets around the child to help positioning and wash around the child to help positioning and wash cloths to fill in around the crotch area of the seat cloths to fill in around the crotch area of the seat (but not under the child).(but not under the child).It is recommended to keep the child rear facing It is recommended to keep the child rear facing to the maximum limits of the restraint.to the maximum limits of the restraint.


Forward Facing (Convertible/ Toddler):Forward Facing (Convertible/ Toddler):

Should be at least 80% on the seat (unless Should be at least 80% on the seat (unless otherwise recommended by the manufacturer).otherwise recommended by the manufacturer).

Most have a weight limit on the internal harness Most have a weight limit on the internal harness of 40 pounds (Seats with higher weight limits are of 40 pounds (Seats with higher weight limits are available). available).

Harness straps should be at or above the Harness straps should be at or above the shoulders and should be snug and straight.shoulders and should be snug and straight.

Harness clip should be at arm pit levelHarness clip should be at arm pit level


Forward Facing (Tray Shield seats):Forward Facing (Tray Shield seats):Tray shield of the seat should be Tray shield of the seat should be positioned correctlypositioned correctlyShouldn’t be used with smaller children Shouldn’t be used with smaller children will leave space between the child and will leave space between the child and harness straps allowing child to be thrown harness straps allowing child to be thrown out.out.Ensure harness clip is secure and at arm Ensure harness clip is secure and at arm pit level.pit level.


Booster Seats:Booster Seats: (High Back/Low or No Back)(High Back/Low or No Back) Both Seat need to be used with a lap and Both Seat need to be used with a lap and

shoulder belt.shoulder belt. Seat is used to bring child into the correct Seat is used to bring child into the correct

position so that lap and shoulder belt fits the position so that lap and shoulder belt fits the child.child.

Make sure shoulder belt goes over the child’s Make sure shoulder belt goes over the child’s shoulder correctly.shoulder correctly.


Location of seat in vehicles:Location of seat in vehicles:

1. Back seat is best for all children.1. Back seat is best for all children.

2. Center rear is safest location (usually).2. Center rear is safest location (usually).

3. Sometimes front seat is a better option.3. Sometimes front seat is a better option.

4. If a child has to be placed in the front seat 4. If a child has to be placed in the front seat

move back as far as possible.move back as far as possible.

5. NEVER PLACE REAR FACING 5. NEVER PLACE REAR FACING

INFANT IN FRONT OF AN AIR BAG. INFANT IN FRONT OF AN AIR BAG.

Installation of Child Safety Seats Installation of Child Safety Seats (CSS)(CSS)

Safest Location Considerations:Safest Location Considerations: 1. Vehicle seat design1. Vehicle seat design

2. Type of safety belt system or LATCH.2. Type of safety belt system or LATCH.

3. Needs of all passengers 3. Needs of all passengers

(children & adults).(children & adults).

Installation of Child Safety Seats Installation of Child Safety Seats (CSS)(CSS)

Safest Location Considerations Contd.Safest Location Considerations Contd.

4. Space Requirements4. Space Requirements

(size of seat & car).(size of seat & car).

5. Seat slopes 5. Seat slopes

6. Tether strap length & location.6. Tether strap length & location.

How to Install properly Install a How to Install properly Install a CSSCSS

Make sure that the Harness straps a Make sure that the Harness straps a configured in the correct slots.configured in the correct slots.Decide whether you are using the seatbelt Decide whether you are using the seatbelt or LATCH for the installation.or LATCH for the installation.Identify the position where the CSS will go.Identify the position where the CSS will go.Place the restraint the seat and run the Place the restraint the seat and run the seatbelt or LATCH belt through the belt seatbelt or LATCH belt through the belt path (NEVER USE BOTH unless path (NEVER USE BOTH unless recommended by the manufacturer).recommended by the manufacturer).

Proper Installation Continued:Proper Installation Continued:

Buckle the seatbelt to the buckle or attach the Buckle the seatbelt to the buckle or attach the LATCH hooks to the LATCH anchors.LATCH hooks to the LATCH anchors.Push down on the CSS and compress the Push down on the CSS and compress the vehicle seat (taking the air out of the seat).vehicle seat (taking the air out of the seat).If using the seatbelt with a switchable retractor, If using the seatbelt with a switchable retractor, switch the seatbelt retractor to an automatic switch the seatbelt retractor to an automatic mode.mode.Tighten the seatbelt and feed the extra belt back Tighten the seatbelt and feed the extra belt back to the retractor.to the retractor.Then release the CSS.Then release the CSS.

Proper Installation ContinuedProper Installation Continued

If you have a seat belt that does not have a If you have a seat belt that does not have a switchable retractor you may a seat belt with a switchable retractor you may a seat belt with a locking latchplate or a free sliding latchplate.locking latchplate or a free sliding latchplate.

If it is a locking latchplate you will connect it to If it is a locking latchplate you will connect it to the buckle push down on the seat and pull the the buckle push down on the seat and pull the slack out of the belt.slack out of the belt.

If it is a free sliding latchplate does not lock at If it is a free sliding latchplate does not lock at the retractor you may have to use a locking clip. the retractor you may have to use a locking clip.

Proper Installation continued:Proper Installation continued:

If using the LATCH system:If using the LATCH system:

Push down on the CSS to take the air out Push down on the CSS to take the air out of the vehicle seat.of the vehicle seat.

Tighten the LATCH belt and release the Tighten the LATCH belt and release the CSS.CSS.

When Can I Use Seat Belts?When Can I Use Seat Belts?

Lap and Shoulder belts are designed for adults Lap and Shoulder belts are designed for adults ( height - 4’9”, weight -120 lbs.) and should not ( height - 4’9”, weight -120 lbs.) and should not be used by children until they reach that height be used by children until they reach that height or the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations.or the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations.

The weight of children use belts maybe less than The weight of children use belts maybe less than 120 lbs.120 lbs.

Lap belts only should never be used to secure Lap belts only should never be used to secure children because of the possibility of causing children because of the possibility of causing injuries in a crash ( No upper body protection).injuries in a crash ( No upper body protection).

What Do if I Have only Lap Belts in What Do if I Have only Lap Belts in my Car ?my Car ?

If you have only lap belts in you car use If you have only lap belts in you car use may want to consider using a Child may want to consider using a Child Restraint Vest.Restraint Vest.

The vest comes in different models and The vest comes in different models and sizes to fit different size children.sizes to fit different size children.

Most vest are designed with a 5 point Most vest are designed with a 5 point harness system.harness system.

Can I Place my Child in Front of an Can I Place my Child in Front of an Air Bag? Air Bag?

Never place a rear facing Infant in front of Never place a rear facing Infant in front of an air bag unless the airbag has been an air bag unless the airbag has been switched off or has a weight sensor.switched off or has a weight sensor.

Forward facing children should be moved Forward facing children should be moved as far back away from the air bag as as far back away from the air bag as possible.possible.

Aftermarket ProductsAftermarket Products

Aftermarket products that did not come Aftermarket products that did not come with the child safety should with the child safety should notnot be used. be used.

They are used with the CSS or attached to They are used with the CSS or attached to the seatbelt to hold the CSS in place.the seatbelt to hold the CSS in place.

These items are not regulated or tested by These items are not regulated or tested by NHTSA, CSS or vehicle manufacturers.NHTSA, CSS or vehicle manufacturers.

None of the products are certified for use.None of the products are certified for use.

Aftermarket Products continued:Aftermarket Products continued:

Use of these products on the restraint are Use of these products on the restraint are not recommended unless made CSS not recommended unless made CSS manufacture for use on that restraint.manufacture for use on that restraint.

VA state law states that it is illegal for any VA state law states that it is illegal for any aftermarket product to be attached to the aftermarket product to be attached to the seatbelt of a car unless certified by seatbelt of a car unless certified by NHTSA.NHTSA.

Questions ?Questions ?

Contact for more information:Contact for more information:Bryant NowlinBryant Nowlin

Lynchburg Police DepartmentLynchburg Police Department434-841-9663 / 434-455-6047434-841-9663 / 434-455-6047

[email protected]@lynchburgva.govKimberly MaddoxKimberly Maddox

Safe Kids of Central VA.Safe Kids of Central VA.434-841-5122434-841-5122

[email protected]@aol.com

Other ContactsOther Contacts

Tobey Anne Allen Tobey Anne Allen

(Virginia Department of Health)(Virginia Department of Health)

Child Safety Seat Inspections CoordinatorChild Safety Seat Inspections Coordinator

(804) 864-7747(804) 864-7747

[email protected]@vdh.virginia.gov

WWW.safetyseatva.orgWWW.safetyseatva.org

Other ContactsOther Contacts

Margaret YoungerMargaret YoungerLynchburg Sheriff’s OfficeLynchburg Sheriff’s Office(434) 847-1301(434) 847-1301

Jennifer CollinsJennifer CollinsLynchburg Fire DepartmentLynchburg Fire Department

Lynchburg Police DepartmentLynchburg Police Department455-6041/455-6047455-6041/455-6047

Documents

Child Seat Safety Presented by Bryant Nowlin Lynchburg Police Department