Iowa Parents May Not Be Using Child Restraints Correctly

According to NHTSA, 3 out of 4 parents do not correctly use child restraints. Without properly installed and fastened child restraints, your infant or toddler could potentially be injured if you get into a Cedar Rapids car accident. Research shows that many children's lives could be saved if child restraints were used, or if they were used correctly.

Iowa Child Restraint Law States:

• Age 1 and younger: An infant one year old or younger or less than 20 pounds has to be in a rear-facing child seat and in a child restraint system.
• Age 1 to 5: Must be in child restraints in the back seat of the vehicle. Older children can be in a safety seat or booster seat.
• Age 6 and older: Children who exceed the height and weight requirements of child seats at six years old can use an adult safety belt.
• Age 6 to 11: Children must be secured in a child restraint system or by a safety belt. 

Children should always ride in the back seat of the vehicle, and parents should follow the instructions on the car seat to make sure that their children are in the correct safety seat for their size and weight.

If you are unsure that you are using child restraints properly, it is important to get your child's car seat checked by professionals. You can locate a child car seat inspection station in Iowa area by clicking on this link. When in doubt, get a safety inspection. It could save your child's life.

If your child has been injured by a negligent driver in an Iowa car crash, you should contact the Cedar Rapids personal injury lawyers at Brady & O'Shea today at (319) 866-9277.