RCMP encourage motorists to prioritize child seat safety

By MEDICINE HAT NEWS on November 19, 2024.

news@medicinehatnews.com

As colder temperatures and potential winter hazards appear on roads, RCMP are encouraging parents to make sure their children’s car seats are properly secured while driving.

Police say infants aged two or under are safest when placed in a rear-facing car seat until they reach the maximum weight and height limit specified by the car seat manufacturer.

Only once children have outgrown their rear-facing seat and weigh at least 22 pounds they can ride facing forward in a secure seat.

If your child is six years or older, or weighs more than 40 pounds, police recommend using a booster seat elevated to allow the child to sit comfortably with their back against the seat and their knees bent naturally over the edge of the booster seat. High-back booster seats are recommended to provide support for the child’s head and neck.

“As a driver, it’s your responsibility to ensure all passengers are properly secured,” says Sgt. Turnbull, Alberta RCMP Traffic. “It’s important that all children are in the appropriate seat type for their size, and that it is correctly installed. This can make a huge difference in reducing the risk of injury during travel.” 

Police say some key reminders include:

All child car seats and booster seats must be installed in the rear seat of the vehicle.

Ensure the car seat or booster seat has a Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (CMVSS) sticker on it, indicating it meets national safety regulations.

Purchasing used car seats is discouraged, as they may be damaged, recalled, expired, or not meeting current safety standards.

After installing the car seat, perform the “inch test” by trying to move the seat side-to-side and front-to-back at the base. The seat should not move more than an inch in any direction. If it does, the seat may not be installed tightly enough.

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