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What About Car Seat Safety for Children?
Car seat safety is a major concern for today's parents. We know that our children are only safe when properly strapped into a car seat, but many car seats fail in car seat safety ratings. All current car seats on the market in the United States meet car seat safety guidelines as set by the government.
That being said, however, car seat safety statistics show that some car seats are safer than others. Parents concerned about child car seat safety naturally want the safest car seat available.
Features of Safe Car Seats
Children should ride in a car seat until they are more than 80 lbs. in weight. (Don't be tempted to take them out early. In some states if you have an accident, you'll be fined for not properly restraining your child.) When shopping for a car seat, there are certain features that should be present.
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Five Point Harness - A five-point harness is the safest in a crash situation as it prevents the child from being thrown from the seat.
Front Harness Adjustment - Harnesses that adjust in the front can be quickly tightened or loosened and are easier for placing and securing a squirming child. (Make sure the car seat straps are tight every time you use the car.)
Appropriate Size for Vehicle - Large car seats may not fit in smaller or compact cars. Make sure your car seat is appropriate for your vehicle.
Head Impact Protection - Head impact protection design adds a layer of EPS grade foam around the child's head in the shell of the car seat.
For more information, check with car seat safety comparison sites like www.car-safety.org.
Car Safety and Car Loans
Car safety can affect your ability to get a used car loan. Some lenders are not willing to give you a loan for a car that does not meet the current safety standards. They may feel that their money is at risk, because you may not have the car for the life of the loan. For all considered, it's best to choose a car that is considered safe to drive.
When choosing a car for your family, remember to check out car seat safety, as well as the car safety ratings of the vehicle. You need to know that your family is safe, and that starts with thoroughly researching car safety. Your loved ones are worth it.