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ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. - To the untrained individual, installing child car seats may seem to be an easy task. However, U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Christopher B. Huffer, 97th Air Mobility Wing ground safety technician, said there are a lot of things to consider that many don’t realize. Should the seat be installed incorrectly, or if it is the wrong type of seat, it may fail to protect the child in the event of a crash.
Huffer attended a three-day course through an organization called Safekids, which certified him to install child car seats, and he said there are a lot of misconceptions about the process.
“Probably the biggest misconception I have encountered is parents believing that their child’s comfort comes before their safety. They add extra padding, or they don’t tighten the restraints enough,” said Huffer.
One main consideration, said Huffer, should be to make sure you buy a quality car seat that fits in your vehicle, and fits your child. He also advises against purchasing used seats online because the full history of the seat is uncertain.
“If you are getting a used seat, perhaps from a friend or relative, make sure you know the history of that seat,” he said. “Make sure it was not involved in any vehicle accidents, as the stresses of the crash might have degraded the integrity of the seat.”
Huffer also said that parents sometimes get too concerned about how their child is doing in the back seat that they neglect to pay attention to the road.
“Concentrate on driving. If you constantly check your rear-view mirror or look behind you to see how your child is doing, you are not doing what you are supposed to be, which is watching the road. If you are that concerned, have someone else drive and sit in the back with your child,” said Huffer.
In addition to this, Huffer said there are also certain hazards to look out for in the vehicle itself.
“Be sure to stow loose objects such as groceries, toys, purses and bags,” said Huffer. “In the event of a crash, these items become projectiles which could cause serious injuries to yourself or your child.”
There are also different methods in which to install the seats, said Huffer.
“The car seat can be installed either with the seat belt or with the Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children system. Both methods offer the same amount of protection,” he said. “The ‘best’ method is one which the parent can do correctly every time.”
Huffer prefers the LATCH system, which is a series of metal loops attached to the car’s seat, usually between the seat back and the bottom cushion because it’s easier to explain and use.
“Newer child seats come with two or more straps and clips, which attach to the loops, which are then securely tightened,” said Huffer. “This allows the child seats to be installed quickly and easily.”
When using the seat belt method, a few factors must first be considered. What type of seat belt is it? Does it have an automatic lock? What type of buckle does it have, and where is the child seat going?
“Some buckles will lock the belt strap if pulled, while others let it move freely,” said Huffer. “To use the seat belt method, you feed the seat belt through the designated belt path of the child seat and tighten it securely in place.”
Huffer said sometimes a belt clip is needed. A belt clip is a small H-shaped piece of metal that is attached to the seat belt to prevent it from loosening while the child seat is in place.
Both the seat belt and LATCH system pull down on the seat and hold it in place, however Huffer said only one method or the other should be used to secure the seat to prevent damage.
“When people attempt to use both the seat belt and the LATCH, it causes way too much pressure and stress to the child seat, and causes damage.”
“As much as I wish I could inspect everyone with a child seat, the parents must contact me first,” said Huffer. “I don’t just install the seats, I can also inspect seats for parents if they want to know if they installed it correctly themselves, or if there is an issue with the seat. I can also answer questions or concerns that parents might have.”
For more information visit http://cert.safekids.org, http://www.NHTSA.gov, or call 580-481-7233.
| Date Taken: | 01.22.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 01.22.2015 12:36 |
| Story ID: | 152467 |
| Location: | ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, OK, US |
| Web Views: | 49 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Safety tips for installing child car seats, by SrA Megan Myhre, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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