AAA states that 3 out of 4 child car seats are installed incorrectly. Do not take the chance that yours is one of them, stop at a CPS Seat Inspection Station today and ask the experts.
Installing a new car seat can be a difficult proposition, at Bertera Auto Group your family’s safety is our priority and we would like to help. Rather than trying to understand child car seat directions or having to find your owner’s manual you can make a stop at a CPS Seat Inspection Station. These inspection stations are located at numerous locations including local hospitals, fire stations, and police stations. Inspection stations are important venues for parents, grandparents and others involved in child-care to learn how to properly buckle in children. Allow an expert to give you some tips and tricks on keeping your child car seat as safe as possible. Below are state specific guidelines and locations for a CPS Seat Inspection Station near you!
Massachusetts
Child safety laws differ from state to state, for example Massachusetts requires children must be in a Federally Approved car seat that has been properly fastened and secured until the child is eight years old or over fifty-seven inches tall (4’ 9″). It is very important that when a child is larger than fifty-seven inches that the seat belt fits properly. When a seat belt is fitted properly the child should be able to:
- sit with their back and hips against the vehicle seat back and sit without slouching
- bend their knees easily over the front edge of the seat and keep their feet flat on the floor
- safely wear the seat belt
- lap belt low and snug across the hips
- shoulder belt across mid-chest and shoulder
- use the properly adjusted vehicle head restraint
- remain in this position for the entire ride
Please refrain from putting the shoulder belt under the child’s arm or behind the child’s back. This can cause severe injuries in a crash. If the seat belt does not fit properly, the child should continue using a booster seat.
Connecticut
Connecticut’s law states children must be in a federally approved car seat until they are at least six years old and sixty pounds. Infants must be in a rear facing seat until they are at least twenty pounds and one year old. It is recommended that babies should be kept in rear facing car seats until they are two years old or meet the maximum height or weight limit for their car seat when it is rear facing. It is recommended that children under age 13 should ride in the back seat.
If you are unsure of proper procedure to install a car seat or booster seat you can participate in a Safety Checkpoint free of charge. Make sure you schedule an appointment at the location you are interested in going to beforehand.
Check out the checkpoint locations for Massachusetts HERE
Check out the checkpoint locations for Connecticut HERE
Learn to install a Child Safety Seat HERE
Learn which type of Child Safety Seat is best for your child HERE
Be sure to check back with your local Bertera Auto Dealership for updated child safety laws and CPS Seat Inspection Stations in your area.
Source: Mass.gov, DMV.org, CTsafekids.org, safeseats4kids.aaa.com
