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Motor Vehicle Safety

Did you know that motor vehicle crashes are the number one cause of death for children ages 1-19? Of the children ages 12 and under who died in vehicle crashes in 2015, 39% were unrestrained. To protect children when riding in a vehicle, the best thing we can do is properly install and use a car seat.

Installation Tips

  • Install and use car seats and booster seats according to the seat’s owner’s manual or get help installing them from a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician. 

  • When installing, use either the lower anchors that are attached to the car seat or the seat belt, not both.

  • The car seat should not move more than 1" at the belt path (either where the seat belt is routed through or where the lower anchors are attached to the seat).

CCS carseatrecommendationsforchildren201

Rear-Facing Car Seat
Your child should remain in a rear-facing car seat (either infant carrier or convertible) until they reach the top height or weight limit allowed by your car seat’s manufacturer.

  • Harness straps at or below the shoulders

  • Straps snug so you can’t pinch fabric to fabric above the chest clip

  • Chest clip at armpit level


Forward-Facing Car Seat
Keep your child in a forward-facing car seat with a harness and tether until they reach the top height or weight limit allowed by the car seat.

  • Harness straps at or above the shoulders

  • Straps snug so you can’t pinch fabric to fabric above the chest clip

  • Chest clip at armpit level

Booster Seat
Your child must be at least 4 years old and 40 pounds to ride in a booster seat. A booster seat positions the seat belt so it fits properly.

  • Lap belt across upper thighs, not stomach

  • Shoulder belt snug across the shoulder and chest, not across the neck or face


Seat Belt
Your child should be at least 4’9” to safely use a seat belt. They should not tuck any part of the seat belt behind their body.

  • Child’s legs bend at the edge of the seat while sitting all the way back in the seat

  • Lap belt across upper thighs, not stomach

  • Shoulder belt snug across the shoulder and chest, not across the neck or face

9 out of 10 car seats in Wisconsin are installed incorrectly.

Safety Reminders

  • If the car seat wiggles more than 1” at the belt path, make an appointment to visit us and we’ll help you out!

  • Make sure to read the instruction manual. All important information about your car seat will be in this booklet- keep it in a safe place!

  • Big winter coats interfere with getting the harness snug. Kids should wear nothing thicker than a polar fleece when in their seat. For more information on why winter coats and car seats don't mix click here.

  • Each new seat comes with a registration card. Fill it out and send it in so the manufacturer can alert you of any recalls.

  • If a car seat is involved in a crash, there may be damage and it should not be used.

  • Only use products that came with the car seat. It is not safe to use other harness covers or infant inserts. 

  • Look before you lock you car each time to make sure your child is not left behind.
     

Used & Expired Car Seats​

  • Avoid used seats. Secondhand seats may have damage, missing pieces, or may be expired.

  • Car seats expire! Most have a lifespan of 6 years, so check the labels on the seat for the date of manufacture.

  • Typically, car seats cannot be recycled, except during a specialty recycling event (sometimes CCS, Target, or Toys-R-Us will run these events).

  • If recycling is not available, disassemble the seat, cut the straps, and dispose of in a dumpster.

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