Passenger Safety Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service in cooperation with The Texas Department of Transportation Safe Transport for Infants Educational programs of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service are open to all people without regard to race, color, sex, disability, religion, age, or national origin. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating

The Problem Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death among children. Nationally, nearly half of the children who died in crashes were unrestrained (NHTSA). Passenger Safety Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

Effectiveness of Child Restraints 71% effective in reducing infant deaths 54% effective in reducing toddler deaths 69% effective in reducing hospitalization need Children are 37% less likely to be fatally injured riding in the rear seat. Passenger Safety Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

What Is the Best Child Safety Seat? Fits child  appropriate for child’s height, weight, and age Fits in the vehicle Seat that will be used correctly all of the time Passenger Safety Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

Why Rear-facing for Infants? Babies have large, heavy heads Small, flexible shoulders Bones not fully developed Passenger Safety Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

Rear-facing Increases Protection Seat absorbs crash forces Back of seat spreads crash forces along the entire torso Protects head, neck, and spinal cord Passenger Safety Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

Important Read the instruction book. Mail in the registration card INSTRUCTIONS COSCO READ AND KEEP FOR FUTURE REFERENCE Rear Facing Infant Seat Passenger Safety Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

Infant-Only Seats Rear-facing only Birth/4/5 lbs. to lbs. Some now go to 30/32/35 lbs. Most come with a base Passenger Safety Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

Infant-Only Seats 5-point harness Passenger Safety Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

Never use a rear-facing seat in front of an active air bag. Air Bag Warning Passenger Safety Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

Keep a child rear-facing until age two or more. Make sure there is 1 inch from the top of the child’s head to the top of the shell. Install at the correct angle. – According to instructions Keeping Baby Rear-facing Passenger Safety Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

Harness Adjusters Harness adjusters vary Passenger Safety Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

Harness Straps Snug Straps should be at or below shoulders Straps must be snug Not able to pinch any of webbing on harness Passenger Safety Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

Harness Retainer Clip Keeps harness straps on baby’s shoulders Always goes across chest from armpit to armpit Retainer Clip Passenger Safety Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

Non-regulated Products Do not add: – Thick padding under or behind child or harness – Pads on harness straps Passenger Safety Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

Acceptable Padding Receiving blankets/cloth diapers that don’t interfere with harness and/or shell contact may be used. Passenger Safety Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

Carry Handle Read manual to determine correct position for handle when used in vehicle Passenger Safety Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

Next Step - Convertible Seats 5-Point Harness Passenger Safety Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

Rear-facing Convertibles Rear-facing until age two or more Safer to leave child rear-facing longer (to age two or the weight and height limit of seat) Current rear-facing convertible seats go to 35 or 40 lbs. rear-facing There are a couple that go to 45 lbs. rear-facing Passenger Safety Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

Correct Angle Infant seats must be reclined according to the manufacturer’s instructions No more than 45 o Seat may have adjustment foot (infant only) or recline adjuster (convertible) May need to use rolled towel or pool noodle Older infant can be less reclined (approximately 30 o ) Always follow manufacturer’s instructions Passenger Safety Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

Installing It Correctly Must be rear-facing Center position is safest IF secure installation can be achieved Correct angle according to instructions Read instructions in vehicle owner’s manual Contact technician for inspection Passenger Safety Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

What to Avoid - Second-Hand Seats Seat involved in crash History unknown Missing labels More than 6 years old Cracks or rust Parts missing On recall list Passenger Safety Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

Recalls Recall Lists on NHTSA Website NHTSA: – – AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE – DASH-2-DOT Child Safety Seat Manufacturer Passenger Safety Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

What’s Next? Passenger Safety Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

Resources Get a free safety seat inspection with a certified technician Locate a technician – Passenger Safety Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service