Top 10 Car Seat Safety Mistakes

by California Casualty | Safety | 0 comments

Vehicle accidents are the number one cause of death for children between the ages 1 and 4. Your child’s best chance to come out of an accident unscathed is if they are in a car seat that has been installed correctly.

Here are the top car seat safety mistakes.

Price isn’t Everything, Especially when it comes to safety.  When it comes to purchasing car seats, the more expensive doesn’t necessarily mean “safer”. There are car seats for every budget. A lot of that extra cost could just be additional features, easy to use, or brand popularity.  Find compare and rate car seats using the  NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) car seat finder here. So what’s the determining factor on which seat to get? Get the one that has the best rating that fits your budget, vehicle, can be properly installed and used.

Your Child is Too Big for the Seat.  You bring your new bundle of joy home in the infant seat, they grow quickly, when do you move up to the next size. Sometimes it might be easy to judge if they outgrow the seat. When they pass the height or weight limits you will need to change seats to accommodate these new changes. You can check the manufacturer’s site for specifics on whether your car seat is still a good fit. Or follow this guide.

Moving to a forward-facing or booster seat too soon.  The AAP policy says it’s best to keep kids rear-facing until they turn 2 or meet the maximum height and weight for the seat. Studies say that children under 2 are less likely to be severely injured (or worse) if they are riding rear-facing. Newer car seats are equipped with higher height and weight limits to help encourage rear-facing.  But, just because the child meets the minimum weight requirement for a booster seat does not mean they are ready to move up. It comes down to if they can sit correctly in the seat and maintain proper belt positions at all times.

More is not merrier in this case.  Do not use both LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) and the safety belt, use the incorrect LATCH anchors, or use a LATCH past its weight limit. What you need to use will depend on your car and the type of seat. One or the other may be the best option, but you shouldn’t need to use both. Double-check your car seat manual to make sure you’re using the correct anchors. You should also note that the lower anchors have weight limits, so you have to switch to vehicle seat belt installation if/when the weight your child + car seat exceeds 65lbs.

Used Seat = Better Deal.  Expiration dates, prior accidents, cleanliness- there are all sorts of reasons why to purchase a new seat instead of buying a used one. If you are tight on money, research and see which local organizations offer inexpensive options. You’re carrying precious cargo remember, don’t skip the small stuff!

Taking kids out of car seats too soon.  When does a child get to ride like a normal passenger? Great question!  When the child can sit all the way back with knees bent over the edge of the seat with their seatbelt properly across the shoulder and the thighs. They need to be able to maintain this position throughout the ride, even if asleep. Check your state requirements, most require the use of a booster through age 8 or 9 (or once they hit a certain height or weight requirement).

Incorrect use of the chest clip.  Don’t brush this piece off. It’s actually a crucial feature to the seat, that could end up saving your child’s life. The clip holds the straps so that if an accident happens, the straps will remain secure on the child’s shoulders, allowing full protection from the seat. A clip in the wrong spot could result in ejection, internal injuries, or even death. 

Straps need to be snug.  One rule to remember: if you can pinch excess strap between your fingers, or if the straps are twisted or gaping, they are too loose. The child’s clothes should never be buckled in while wearing them. You may think it adds “padding” but in an accident, it will compress and leave space that could cause injury.

Wrong harness slot.  The manual for the car seat will be specific to your exact seat, but usually, placement depends on the direction the seat is facing. Rear-facing: straps should thread into harness slot at or below the shoulders. Forward-facing: straps should thread into harness slot at or above the shoulders.

It’s ONLY a car seat.  Car accidents are the leading cause of death for children. Car seats save lives.

Take the time to properly install your car seat before use and have it inspected by a certified technician for assurance.

Again, your child is precious cargo, take precautionary measures now before you could regret it later.

This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.

Tips for Tailgating Safety

by California Casualty | Safety | 0 comments

Football season is finally here!  If you’re anxiously getting ready to start the season with some pre-game festivities, there are a few important safety reminders you should brush up on before kickoff. Here’s how you, your friends and family can all tailgate responsibly.

Tip #1: Handle raw meat with care.

You may be known for your spicy chicken wings or beefy burgers but make sure you know the rules for handling raw meat.

• • Before the tailgate, store meat on the lowest shelf of the refrigerator or in a meat drawer if you have it. Plan to eat or freeze it within 3 to 4 days.
  • On tailgate day, store your meat in leakproof plastic bags or containers, with ice in a cooler.
  • Wash your hands before and after handling raw meat.
  • Wash utensils, cutting boards, and plates that come in contact with raw meat.
  • Use separate cutting boards, plates, and utensils for raw meat and for produce.
  • Don’t use the marinade from your raw meat on cooked meat. If you want to use it, cook it to a boil first.

Tip #2: Fire up the grill carefully.

Grilling outdoors is a favorite family activity. But injuries from burns or fires can put a real damper on family fun.

• • Have a fire extinguisher on hand just in case. If you don’t need it, someone else might.
  • Enforce a 3-foot “kid-free” zone around the grill. Never leave the grill unattended.

For propane grills:

• • Be careful not to overfill a propane tank.
  • Transport your propane tank safely, so that it is upright and secured in your vehicle.
  • Check the connection between the propane tank and the fuel line to make sure there are no leaks. You can do this by making a solution of 50% liquid dish soap and 50% water, and brushing it on the hose connections. If there are leaks, you will see air bubbles when you turn on the propane.

For charcoal grills:

• • Never add lighter fluid to an already lit fire on a charcoal grill. That can cause the fire to flare up and even ignite the chemical in the can or cause a chemical smog.
  • While you can use lighter fluid to start a charcoal grill, consider using rolled-up newspaper instead. Or consider a charcoal chimney, which packs the briquettes together for easier lighting.
  • Use plenty of water to douse hot coals after you’re done cooking. Give them a stir to make sure there are no lit embers.
  • Do not put the wet coal and embers in plastic, paper, or wooden containers after use. They could still be hot enough to start a fire. Wait until they are completely cool and put them in a coal-safe container to transport them home.

Tip #3: More food safety to keep in mind.

A few hours out in the sun could turn a delicious dish into a potentially hazardous one. Protect your family from food poisoning by following guidelines for food safety.

• • When grilling, use a food thermometer to check the temperature of your meat. According to gov, chicken should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F and ground beef to at least 160°F.
  • Nonperishable foods, such as breads, chips, and cookies, can be left out but should be covered for freshness. Condiments like ketchup and mustard are also okay to sit out due to their acid content.
  • Perishable foods that typically are refrigerated should not sit out for longer than 2 hours.
  • When in doubt, toss it out. If you’re unsure if food is safe to eat, don’t take a chance on it. Throw it out.

Tip #4: Protect yourself from the sun and heat.

Even on a cloudy fall day, you can get sunburned or experience dehydration. Protect yourself and your family.

• • Wear sunscreen whenever you will be outside for an extended period of time. Reapply every 2 hours.
  • Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes and a hat to protect your head from UV rays.
  • Find a shaded area near your tailgate to escape the sun and the heat. Or create your own shaded area with a pop-up tent or beach umbrella.
  • Alcohol can dehydrate you. It causes your body to remove fluids. Drink water as much as possible and in addition to the alcohol.
  • Be aware of the signs of dehydration: muscle cramps, fever/chills, dry mouth/skin, fast heartbeat, confusion, drowsiness, irritability, or a dark urine color. Drinking water is usually the best way to rehydrate.

Tip #5: Appoint a designated driver and drive safely.

Tailgates are all about having a good time, and usually involve alcohol. But drinking impairs driving with sometimes deadly results.

• • Before you even leave, choose your DD — designated driver – the one who will remain sober. If you have a regular group of friends that tailgate together, you can rotate that duty.
  • Better yet, plan to tailgate sober. You can always celebrate after the game, back at home.
  • As you search for the perfect tailgate spot, watch for children and adults darting in front of your car. Do the same when you exit after the game.
  • Despite your best efforts, accidents can still happen. If you are the victim of a parking lot accident, know your car insurance coverage and alert your insurer as soon as possible.
  • If there’s no one who is sober and can drive home, call a cab or ride-share service. It’s far better to get home safely than endanger yourself and others.

Hosting a party instead of tailgating? No worries. Check out our hosting safety guide here.

This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.