Road Wise Passenger Safety Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service in cooperation with Texas Department of Transportation ABC’s on Child Safety Seats Educational

Road WiseRoad Wise

Passenger SafetyTexas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

in cooperation with

Texas Department of Transportation

ABC’s on Child Safety Seats

Educational programs of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service are open to all people without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability,genetic information or veteran status. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating.

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension ServicePassenger Safety

What’s the Problem?What’s the Problem?

Motor Vehicle Crashes (MVC) are the leading cause of death for children.

Nearly half of children killed in motor vehicle crashes were unrestrained.


Your vehicle owner’s manual

Child safety seat instruction booklet

Two Important ToolsTwo Important Tools


Rear-facing Seats

Forward-facing Seats with Harnesses

Booster Seats

Seat Belts

Four StepsFour Steps


American Academy of Pediatrics recommends keeping children rear-facing until age two or to the weight and height limit of their seat

Rear-facing children are five times safer than forward-facing children

Rear-facing SeatsRear-facing Seats


Rear-facing Infant OnlyUse ONLY rear-facing.Most go 5-22 pounds.Several start at birth or 4 pounds.Many go up to 30 or 35 pounds.

Rear-facing Convertible SeatConvertible seats can be rear-facing or forward-facing.When rear-facing, most go 5-35 pounds. Many go 5-40 pounds. Some go to 45 pounds.

Types of Rear-facing SeatsTypes of Rear-facing Seats


Children can be forward-facing when they have outgrown the limit of their rear-facing seat. This is usually at age two or older.

Children under 40 pounds are best protected in a 5-point harness.

Forward-facingForward-facing


Forward-facing Convertible SeatWhen forward-facing, convertible seats go 40 pounds.Many go to higher weights, up to 80 pounds.

Combination Seat or Booster with HarnessBooster with removable harness.Most combination seats go to 40 pounds. Many go to higher weights. One goes to 90 pounds.Becomes booster when harness is removed.

Types of Forward-facing SeatsTypes of Forward-facing Seats


Rear-facing Harness straps

at or below shoulders

Forward-facing Harness straps

at or above shoulders

Harness Slots

Harness SlotsHarness Slots


Retainer ClipRetainer Clip

Retainer Clip

Place at level, armpit to armpit

Holds straps in position

Retainer Clip


Harness Straps SnugHarness Straps Snug

Straps must be snug

Not able to pinch any of webbing on harness


Booster SeatsBooster Seats

Booster seats are for children who are at least 4 years old and 40 pounds.

Children need to be mature enough to stay in place in the booster seat.

Children should ride in booster seats until they fit the seat belt system – usually at 4’9’’ tall.


Seat BeltsSeat Belts

Children are ready for seat belts when:– The lap belt fits low on the hips

and not across the abdomen.– The shoulder belt fits across the

middle of the shoulder and flat across the chest.

This is usually when they reach age 8-12.


What is the safest way for your child to travel?

Best PracticeBest Practice


Air Bags: What are they good for?Air Bags: What are they good for?

NEVER place a rear-facing seat in front of an active air bag!


Pointers for Happy Children Pointers for Happy Children in Safety Seatsin Safety Seats

Start early

Be consistent

Use words

Model good behavior

Boredom monster

Be firm

Clue in grandparents

Be comforting


Use soft toys and books in the car.

Loose items will become projectiles in a crash.

Keeping Children Safe in VehicleKeeping Children Safe in Vehicle


Be Safe - Get a Free InspectionBe Safe - Get a Free Inspection

Most seats are used incorrectly.

Locate a certified technician near you.

To schedule a free inspection, go to:

http://buckleup.tamu.edu


The ABC’s on Child Safety SeatsThe ABC’s on Child Safety Seats

Documents

Road Wise Passenger Safety Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service in cooperation with Texas Department of Transportation ABC’s on Child Safety Seats Educational