What to you should do after a car accident that involves Car Seat Safety
Few things in life can come even close to the sheer fear and panic a parent feels when involved in an auto accident, made all-the-worse if their child is inside. The result is that as a parent, in the aftermath of an accident your head can be spinning trying to navigate and make sense of everything. This user-friendly guide explains about car seat safety during a crash, and it lists the basic steps on what you should do for your child to stay safe.
Why Using a Car Seat is Important
Motor vehicle crashes are one of the top leading causes of death among children ages 5 to14 in the USA according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) https://www.cdc.gov/transportation-safety/index.html socks. However, the correct use of car seats can reduce an infant’s risk for death by 71% and a toddler’s by 54% [invalid URL removed].
An appropriately installed and fitted car seat disperses a crash energy from the body of your child, retaining them contained in the seat. In the event of a crash that greatly decreases any injuries at all.
Safety Reminder: always make sure that your child’s car seat is properly installed according to the manufacturer instructions as well as those indicated on your motor vehicle manual.
What to do right away after child in a car seat gets in accident
It is an extremely critical time following a car accident. These are the basic steps to follow if you have been in an accident with a child, who is restrained in a car seat.
- Assess for Injuries in Self and Others: To best help your child, clarify that you can provide the help they need. However, if you are experiencing a serious injury seek help as soon as possible.
- Turn Off Your Engine and Activate Hazard Lights: If possible, turn off your engine to avoid additional collisions and use your hazard lights so that other drivers are aware of the situation.
- Dial 911: Better to be safe than sorry, so even if the accident is minor, call for emergency services. That allows for diagnoses to be made and medical care administered if called for.
- Having a Look on Your Child: Speak calmly to your child and see if they are in any condition. Check for obvious injuries, bleeding or signs of shock (e.g. pale skin rapid breathing confusion)
- Don’t Move the Car Seat (if you can help it): If there isn’t an imminent fire hazard or risk of another crash, keep your child strapped in until emergency personnel arrive. The car seat can possibly clamp a sinking head and neck, helping to maintain this all-important alignment and save the precious votaries of emergency medical services some time.
NOTE: If your child is unconscious or not breathing, administer CPR according to how you have been trained and call someone for help immediately.
How to Determine If a Car Seat Is Damaged After an Accident
Once you have safely secured your child and called for help, examine the car seat to look for damage. Here’s what to look for:
Cracks and Breaks: Examine the frame of your car seat, as well as borderline muscles straps and clasp for any cracks or breaks. These may potentially impair performance of the car seat in future accidents.
However, if the harness straps or buckle are loose: A secure fit is necessary for having the best protection
Internal Damage: While you can’t see the internal damage, if your car seat has been in a significant accident it should be replaced. Similarly, damage to the airbag assembly inside of your car could render it inoperable or dangerous in a future crash for failing to restrain and support your child.
SAFETY TIP*** NEVER reuse a car seat that has been in ANY moderate-severe accident. There is a good reason to replace it with a new one, so do not hesitate.
AFTER: After a Car Accident with Your Child in a Car Seat – The Long-Term Perspective
Children can look well preserved from the crash, but it is critical to maintain both vigilance and awareness of delayed injuries for your young kids Here’s what to do:
- Get Medical Help: Regardless of whether the child appears to be injured or not, you need to take him/her for a full check at the hospital/clinic. Certain injuries may take months to manifest, such as whiplash and traumatic brain injury.
- Watch Your Kid: You should also monitor your child’s behavior and physical condition over the next few days after the accident. Watch for headaches, dizziness or nausea- If your child reports these on their own but is not known to have accompanying complaints it may be worth further investigation Pay attention if odd changes are present in their sleep and eating patterns
- Reach Out To Your Car Seat Manufacturer: If your car seat is damaged, reach out to the manufacturer for additional instructions. They might recommend that they be replaced (with new ones from another location) or offer suggestions on how to properly inspect these components.
Special Note: Never use an expired or manufacturer recalled carseat.
- In the end, just be safe when you crack up your car
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