Car Seat Safety Tips Not to Be Ignored By Levine & Slavit PLLC on December 01, 2013

An article appeared recently on the website caremom.com  titled, “9 Lifesaving Car Seat Rules You’re Probably Ignoring. The article reminded that car seats are installed and used correctly to avoid unnecessary personal injuries and even death of children in motor vehicle accidents. The article strongly recommends that the following rules be observed for the child's safety when a car seat is being used:

1. Make sure the shoulder straps are in proper position-meaning that when the baby is rear-facing, the straps should be at or below the baby’s shoulders.

2. Baby should be rear-facing until at least 2 years old and for as long as they fit that way.

3. There should be no gaps between the baby’s crotch/groin area and the Harness.

4. The chest clip should be positioned on the chest-the chest clip should be between nipples and armpits.

5. Know proper guidelines for outgrowing the car seat.

6. Straps need to pass the “pinch test”- The new rule is to first pull any slack tight from the lap-portion, and then pinch the straps at the collar bone (your fingers are pinching top-to-bottom ). If you're able to pinch the strap, it's too loose.

7. No coats while in the car seat.

8. Read the car seat manual.

9. When in doubt ask for help to make sure seat installed correctly.

Another way that parents and caregivers can monitor the safety of a car seat it to sign up with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to receive automatic e-mail alerts when there is a government recall of defective child restraint safety seats.

The lawyers at Levine & Slavit have decades of experience handling personal injury claims. If you or someone close to you has been injured by a product that was not properly manufactured, designed or labeled, contact the offices of Levine & Slavit in New York or Long Island for their help. We have offices in Manhattan and Long Island, handling cases in New York City, Brooklyn, the Bronx, Queens and surrounding areas including Nassau, Suffolk and Westchester Counties. For 50 years spanning 3 generations, we have obtained results for satisfied clients.

To learn more, watch our videos or go to our Injured? What Next? page.

Related to This

Levine & Slavit, PLLC Logo

Levine & Slavit, PLLC

The law firm of Levine & Slavit, PLLC has served clients in Long Island and the Greater New York City-area since 1957. We are a team of personal injury and wrongful death lawyers who work tirelessly for victims' rights. Our team is licensed and affiliated with the:

  • New York State Bar Association
  • New Jersey Board of Bar Examiners
  • Florida Board of Bar Examiners
  • U.S. District Court Eastern District of New York
  • U.S. District Court Southern District of New York

Please contact our practice online for a free consultation or call (212) 687-2777 to speak to an attorney today. 

Contact Us Today

Rate, Review & Explore

Social Accounts Sprite
Google map image of our location in 60 E 42nd St Ste 2101 New York, NY

Manhattan Office

60 E 42nd St
Ste 2101
New York, NY 10165

Open Today 9:00am - 5:00pm

By Appointment Only

Google map image of our location in 350 Willis Ave Ste 100 Long Island, NY

Mineola Office

350 Willis Ave
Ste 100
Long Island, NY 11501

Open Today 9:00am - 5:00pm

By Appointment Only

(212) 687-2777 Send a message