Car safety is very important!
As a driver, I make sure I have my seatbelt buckled, enough gas in the car, and get routine checkups. What we as drivers might forget is the importance of those back seat drivers that we are driving around. For me, I am the all around go to Super Aunt. When not working or working late I am dropping of nieces at school doing pickups and have them help me with some shopping. We are constantly in and out of the car. Even though my youngest niece is tall she is still not at the weight limit to not have a booster seat. Though I have had car seats and booster seats in my car they don’t last that long. It is always best to check the expiration date on them. The one I was using for my 13-year-old niece is no longer up to standards and I would never want to risk and injury with my precious cargo.
I was recently invited to attend an event hosted by Bloggin Mamas and Nissan for their Safety Academy held at the gorgeous Water Club in NYC. They could not stress enough the importance of Car Seat Safety as well as distracted driving. There are some easy ways to avoid this too. Don’t forget as the summer is swinging into full gear and temperatures rise you NEVER want to leave a child in a car alone. It doesn’t even matter what time of year it is either.
Our Presentation was ready to get started with host Heather Lopez of Bloggin Mamas and her collaboration with Nissan Diversity of spreading the word of Safe Driving and Car Seat Safety. With the help of Nissan , hey are informing parents and drivers about the importance of proper car seat installation.
Vehicle-CRS Fit Program
In 2011, Nissan announced its planned participation in the Vehicle-CRS Fit Program, an initiative proposed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Much like the Snug Kids® program, the Vehicle-CRS Fit Program is designed to help consumers choose a child restraint system for their vehicle.
Here are some of the safety tips that I learned about at the event. I’m sure we have all heard them at some point but are we all following them. It is always a good time for a refresher and to remember those in the backseat are watching your every move. Be a great example for them too!
The driver has so much to pay attention too. Always keep your eyes on the road.
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Everyone Should Buckle Up!
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Children are more susceptible to heat stroke. Never leave them in a hot car.
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Kids are 12x more distracting to the driver than talking on a cellphone while at the wheel.
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Let them know the importance of allowing the driver to focus on the road.
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Kids 13 and under should sit in the back seat
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Don’t exceed the height and weight limit of a car seat.
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Car Seats DO EXPIRE. They last around 6 years, always check the date from the manufacturer.
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Check VIN for open recalls http://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls . Safety is key.
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American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children be in rear-facing car seats until at least age 2.
As a 2009 Nissan Sentra owner I am glad to hear that Nissan is making enhanced improvements with each model that is hitting the road. New cars now have blind spot features to allow you to “see”. Many accidents occur due to lack of visibility. I can’t wait to do some car shopping and update my Nissan. With innovation and new technology, a car can only be as safe as the person driving it. For a city driver, I love the addition of the RearView Monitor plus the use of parking sonars to help fit in the tightest of parking spots. And for those long rides there is Driver Attention Alert – letting you know it might be time for a brake or even switch drivers.
Do you know what the correct type of car seat your child should be seated in is? Follow along with the images below. Keep in mind you always want to read the car seat manual thoroughly.
Tips For A Secure Fit In Child Restraint Systems (CRS)
Rear-facing CRS (Infants/Toddlers)
A child under the age of 1 year should always ride in a rear-facing CRS. A child should remain in a rear-facing CRS until they reach the maximum height or weight allowed by the CRS manufacturer. Keep a child in a rear-facing CRS as long as possible.
Forward-facing CRS (Toddlers/Small Children)
A child should use a forward-facing CRS with a harness until they reach the maximum height or weight limit allowed by the CRS manufacturer. Keep a child in the forward-facing seat with harness for as long as possible.
Booster Seats (Large Children)
Once the child outgrows the forward-facing CRS, a booster seat should be used to obtain proper seat belt fit (see description below). Once the child has grown so the shoulder belt is no longer on or near the face and neck and the lap belt can be positioned properly across the lower hips or upper thighs, use the seat belt without the booster seat.
Information is taken from -https://www.nissanusa.com/blog/snug-kids-car-seat-guide
Always make sure you are following the correct guidelines for proper car seat and booster installation.
Thank you to Bloggin Mamas and Nissan for this hosted event. As always all thought sand opinions are mine.
Thank you for the tips and reminders about car seats, I need to check mine right now.
It is nice to know that Nissan is promoting car seat safety. There are great reminders and information here.
Car seat safety is so important.
Fantastic tips. An improperly installed car seat can be worse than no seat at all. I have always thought that you need to have them inspected somehow.
I stand behind any company that does educational programs and tips on car seat safety. It is vital to have them installed and used correctly/
I love that Nissan is taking such an active role in car seat safety.
Nissan is doing a GREAT job having this program. I didn’t know car seats expire – wow! One thing I was thinking is that I would never use a used car seat, too many things could be wrong, now also, it could be expired! You are a very caring and responsible auntie – luv!
Car safety of course is very important. It’s good to be reminded of these safety tips.