1. Good Afternoon and Welcome Child Safety Seats 1

2. Michael Earney Law Enforcement Coordinator Texas Municipal Police Association 6200 La Calma Drive, Ste. 200 Austin, Texas 78752 Cell: 512-560-7149 fax: 512/454-8860 mike.earney@tmpa.org mike.earney@tmpa.org 2

4. Crashes are the #1 killer of children ages 1-12.

5. Crashes Happen with Great Force Weight of person times the speed of the vehicle at the time of the crash equals the force! EX: If your child weighs 30 lbs and you are traveling 30 mph…the force of the crash is 900 pounds of force.

6. BUT… you have to use the seat correctly!

7. Objectives After this presentation You will be able to: Understand the 5 ways child restraints provide protection in a crash Identify the different types of child restraints Have basic knowledge of selecting, securing, and installing a CR 7

8. What do we teach our kids??? How to Walk How to ride a bike Say NO to drugs Don’t talk to strangers How to read How to tie their shoes 8

9. How do we protect our children from things that might hurt them..?? 9

10. The Problem Motor vehicle crashes (MVC) are the leading cause of death for Texas children ages 0-12 The estimated economic loss due to MVC is $9.1 billion a year If these costs were spread across the state's population this would translate into a loss of $899 per state resident 10

11. Why is MV a Public Health Issue? 11 2006 679

12. The Excuses "I can't move with those belts on - they're so uncomfortable!" "I only drive around town; how can I get hurt going 25 miles per hour?” "I'm a good driver. I've never had an crash." it is better to be thrown free, instead of being trapped by a seatbelt in a fire or submersion 12

13. The Facts Newer seatbelt design allows for total freedom of motion while driving. The latching device that secures the belt only goes into effect when there is a sudden stop, as in an crash. People who are thrown from cars are 25 times more likely to be killed than if they had been held securely in their seats. In the unlikely event your car catches fire or is submerged, seatbelts can keep you from getting "knocked out" and greatly improve your chances of escape. 13

14. The Facts The majority of all car crashes occur within 25 miles of home. 80% of all serious injuries and fatalities occur in cars going 40 miles per hour or slower. You may be a good driver, but there are situations beyond your control ___???__ such as weather and road conditions (not to mention other drivers) that can affect your safety. 14

15. Statistics Crime vs. Crash 15

16. Protection Provided by Child Restraints Prevent ejection Contact the strongest parts of the body Spread crash force over a wide area Help the body to “ride down” the crash Protect the head, neck and spinal cord 16

17. Correct Use of Child Restraints Select the appropriate CR for the child Secure the child properly in the CR Install the CR properly in the car Use a CR that meets appropriate FMVSS Be sure all parts & instructions are available Free of recalls, not altered, crash history available 17

18. Types Of Restraints For Children Rear-facing only restraints Convertible restraints Forward-facing only restraints Booster Vehicle safety belts 18

19. Child Safety Seat Manufacturer Guidelines Rear facing infant seat: At LEAST 1 year of age and at least 20 pounds Rear facing/forward facing-Until 1 year of age and 20 pounds rear; convertible seat: 1 year of age or older and 20-40 pounds forward Forward facing seat: 1 year of age and 20-40 pounds Booster seat: Over 40 pounds and up to 8-12 years old Correct fit of lap/shoulder- Approximately 4’9” inches tall and 80 pounds belt only: 19

20. Rear Facing Only (Infant Seat) ONLY face the rear Birth/5 lbs. to 17 - 22 pounds (most models) or when head is 1” below top of shell 20

21. Rear Facing Only (Infant Seat) Supports entire head, neck & back, reducing stress to neck and spine in crash May have 5-point or V-harness Some have a detachable base

22. Rear Facing Convertible Rear-facing wt range of 20-35 pounds Child must remain rf until at least one year old Use in reclined position “T” Shield 5 Point Harness Tray Shield

23. Securing Child In Rear Facing Seats Back & bottom flat into CRS Blankets at sides for positioning Harness at or below shoulders and snug, with retainer clip at armpit level

24. Convertible Seat Over 1 year & 20 lbs. Seat in upright position Harness in reinforced slots (at or above shoulders) Generally must use top slots

25. Securing Child In Forward Facing Convertibles Back and bottom flat into CRS Proper harness slots Harness snug Retainer clip at armpit level

26. Forward Facing Seats Combination child seat/booster Most have 40 pound weight limit on internal harness On most, harness must be removed and CR used with lap and shoulder belt when child is over 40 pounds

27. Securing Child In Forward Facing Only Seats Back & bottom flat into CRS Correct harness slots Harness snug Retainer clip at armpit level

28. Booster Seats Provides transition from CRS with harness to vehicle lap and shoulder belt Minimum and maximum height and weight limits vary Incorrect Belt Fit Correct Belt Fit with Belt Positioning Booster

29. Booster Seats Two Types: Shield Booster Belt-Positioning Boosters High Back Backless

30. Shield Booster Best practice recommendations indicate shield boosters are not the safest option Do not use

31. Backless Belt Positioning Booster MUST be used with lap and shoulder belt Boosts child up to help the adult belt fit correctly Some models have shoulder belt positioners 31

32. High Back Belt- Positioning Booster MUST be used with lap and shoulder belt Boosts child up to help the adult belt fit correctly Provides head restraint for vehicle seats that have a low back

33. Securing Child In BPBs Requires lap & shoulder belt Lap belt positioned low across top of thighs and shoulder belt across chest

34. Use of Vehicle Safety Belts Lap belt only: No upper body protection Poor fit on child may cause internal injuries Lap & shoulder belt are the best protection Poor fit can cause serious injuries Poor Belt Fit Correct Belt Fit

35. Take the 5-Step Test 1.Does the child sit all the way back against the auto seat? 2.Do the child’s knees bend comfortably at the edge of the auto seat? 3.Is the lap belt on the top of the thighs? 4.Is the shoulder belt centered on the shoulder and chest? 5.Can the child stay seated like this for the entire trip? 35

36. Take the 5-Step Test If you answered “no” to any of these questions…. The child needs a booster seat to ride safely! Safety Belt Safe USA 2004 36

37. What Is the Real Problem? While not rocket science, car seats are VERY confusing to parents Large numbers of car seats, vehicles, & seat belt systems result in ENDLESS COMBINATIONS 37

38. Why Are Kids Dying? Misuse is widespread Most people believe they are doing it right More than 90% are not! 38

39. Misuse Is Widespread Common Misuse Includes: harness loose on child child in wrong type of CR child moved into adult seat belt too early CRS not installed securely 39

40. Real-world Misuse Actual pictures taken at car seat check events 40

41. What’s Wrong With This Picture?

42. Harness straps loose and off shoulder Harness retainer clip out of position Loose seat belt What’s Wrong With This Picture?

44. No (or out of position) harness retainer clip Loose harness straps off shoulders Child forward facing should be rear facing Harness in lower slots in forward facing seat Hard toys attached to shield What’s Wrong With This Picture?

46. Big snow suit not allowing harness to fit properly Harness straps loose and twisted Harness retainer clip improperly threaded and low on child What’s Wrong With This Picture?

48. CRS reclined too far in rear seat Car seat is wedged with driver seat What’s Wrong With This Picture?

50. Lap/shoulder belt not correctly placed on child Shoulder belt cuts under arm and up behind head Child should be in highback BPB What’s Wrong With This Picture?

52. Harness straps placed under child’s arms Harness retainer clip low Child in background should be in booster, too small for safety belt What’s Wrong With This Picture?

54. Improper fit of safety belts Using one belt for multiple occupants Lap belt only position used when lap & shoulder belt is available What’s Wrong With This Picture?

56. Infant bundled in blankets Retainer clip low Loose seat belt What’s Wrong With This Picture?

58. Rear facing seat forward facing CRS too small for child What’s Wrong With This Picture?

59. BEST What is the BEST Child Safety Seat?!?  Fits the CHILD properly  Fits the CAR properly  Will be used correctly EVERY TIME 59

60. Abraham Lincoln Next to creating a life, The greatest thing one can do is save a life… 60

61. The End! Any questions? 61