LifeLine Response Systems

Child Passenger Safety

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EMS for KIDS

Child Passenger Safety

Carpooling Safety Information
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Safe Kids - Carpool Safety Checklist & Handout
Child Passenger Safety and Related Laws

Which seat is best for my child?

  • Make sure the seat fits your child's height and weight, fits your vehicle, and meets federal standards as labeled on seat.
  • Never use second hand seats if the history of the seat is unknown.
  • Never use a seat that is more than 6 years past manufacture date as labeled on the seat.

     


North Carolina State Law

Any child less than 8 years AND less than 80 pounds must be restrained in a proper child restraint device.  The full summary of the state law is available at: www.buckleupnc.org


Types of Child Safety Seats

Infant Seats

  • For children 0-1 year
  • Always rear facing 
  • Never in front of an airbag
  • Should be installed at a 45degree angle 
  • Straps are threaded through lower slots and are at or below the shoulders 
  • Harness clip should be at armpit level 
  • Straps should be snug against child’s body
  • Seat should be secured in the vehicle with less than 1 inch movement
Convertible / Forward- Facing Seats
  • When children are 1 year AND at least 20 lbs 
  • Never in front of an airbag 
  • Straps are threaded through upper slots and are at or above the shoulders 
  • Harness clip should be at armpit level Straps should be snug against child’s body 
  • Seat should be secured in the vehicle with less than 1 inch movement 
  • Children up to 40 lbs
Booster Seats
  • For children 40-80 lbs 
  • Never in front of an airbag 
  • Designed to lift the child to fit the vehicle seat belt
  • Shoulder strap diagonally across chest and rests on shoulder 
  • Lap belt across child’s hips and thighs – not across the stomach 
  • Never let the child place the belts under their arms or behind their backs


Common Questions

How do I get the seat tight enough in the vehicle?

  • When using the vehicle seat belts, use your knee to push the seat into a secure position.

What is LATCH?

  • LATCH stands for Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children.
  • The system allows you to install the seat without using the vehicle seat belts. 
  • Metal anchors in the vehicle are used to secure the seat to the vehicle. 
  • Check the owner’s manual of your vehicle to see if you have the LATCH system.

When can my child use the vehicle seat belt?

When the child can:

  • Sit against the vehicle seat back with knees bent over the seat 
  • Secure the seat belt over their lap and snugly across their shoulders

 

Tips to Remember

  • All safety seats are different.
  • Read the installation instructions that come with the seat. 
  • Vehicles are different as well. 
  • Read your vehicles owners manual for other tips specific to your vehicle and safety seat.
  • If the safety seat is more than 6 years old or has been involved in a crash, replace it!
  • All children under age 12 should be properly restrained in the back seat of the vehicle.


More information is available at these websites:

 

www.buckleupnc.org

 

www.usa.safekids.org

 

www.nhtsa.dot.gov

 

www.seatcheck.org

 

www.safestgeneration.org

 

 


Document
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