Car Seat Safety Tips To Protect Your Child

According to a number of studies, motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of unintentional injury-related death among children younger than 15 in Canada. Child safety seats, when installed and used correctly, can prevent injuries and save lives. In fact, young children who are properly restrained in car seats and booster seats have an 80 per cent lower risk of suffering from a fatal injury compared to those who are unrestrained. It’s possible that regulations may be more lenient in your area, but the following guidelines are based on the strictest of provincial laws and will provide the best protection for your child.

Infants

• Use a convertible seat facing the rear of the vehicle
• Seat should be secured using the LATCH system
• Do not use this seat in the front seat of your vehicle where an air bag is present
• Harness straps should be at or below shoulder level

Toddlers (1 – 4 yrs)

• Use a face-forward convertible seat, forward-facing only seat or high back booster or harness
• Seat should be secured using the LATCH system or safety belts
• Harness straps should fit at or above the child’s shoulders
• Child should be snug and the harness clip should be at armpit level

For some video tips check out this video series, Tips on car seats and booster seats – produced by the City of Brampton, ON, the Fire and Emergency Services department.
Ontario Car Seat Safety Video
Ontario Car Seat Safety Video #2
Ontario Car Seat Safety Video #3

If you have a young family and struggle to find the time to review your insurance, click here to visit our new rate reducer or call one of our licensed brokers for a free protection review at 1-888-298-7343.