Strapping one's child into the car seat is a regular task for most parents. Unfortunately, even very small children are able to unbuckle themselves, leading to distracted parents behind the wheel - and car accidents.
Researchers at the Yale School of Medicine surveyed 378 parents; slightly over half reported that at least one of their children had successfully unbuckled their seatbelts while in a car seat one or more times. Children as young as 12 months were able to extricate themselves, and 75% of the kids were 3 years or younger. Boys were more likely than girls to unbuckle themselves (59% of boys, as opposed to 42% of girls). As the parent of a 2 year old boy, this doesn't surprise me at all.
More than 40% of kids who "freed" themselves did so while the vehicle was moving. The distraction to parents, as they pull over, reprimand their children, and then buckle them in again, increases the chances of a serious injury 3.5 times. So be sure to double check that your child's seat is installed properly, and that children are fastened securely. If you aren't sure how to do it, most local fire departments will help you make sure its installed correctly.
For more information on child safety, auto accidents or any aspect of a personal injury claim, check out our website, send me an email, or just give us a call at 206-720-1501.
