Child Car Seat Safety

Posted on by Taylor & Blair LLP Posted in Rules of the RoadTagged

Not many trips are as nerve wracking for parents than that first drive home from the hospital with your new child.  Having a properly installed child car seat in good working order can not only bring comfort to a parent, but it can be the difference between a minor injury and a major one.

Buying a Car Seat

The most important thing when choosing a car seat for your child is making sure it’s appropriate for your child’s age, height and weight in accordance with the B.C. Motor Vehicle Act.  Car seats are usually divided into the following groups:

  • Infants/toddlers (to 20lbs);
  • Toddlers/preschool (between 20-40lbs); and
  • Children weighing over 40lbs who are under 9 years of age or 4’9”” tall.

When buying a car seat it’s important to compare the various brands and make sure you’re getting your money’s worth.  Always look for the CMVSS sticker which will let you know the car sear meets Transport Canada’s safety standards.

Is it Safe to Reuse Car Seats?

With care seats becoming increasingly expensive many people wonder if it’s safe to reuse a car seat.  It is important to make sure that your car seat meets the requirements of the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act (Health Canada) and meets Transport Canada’s Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (CMVSS).  Another important step is to ensure that the car seat has not expired or exceeded its useful life date as set by the manufacturer.  If either of these have occurred you should not use the car seat.

Installing a Car Seat

Very little in life can be as frustrating as installing a child car seat for the first time.  Make sure you read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.

IF you have questions about the installation of a car seat contact your local B.C. public health unit, the Ministry of Transportation or Safe Kids Canada.  The RCMP offices located throughout the province will also help you check the safety of the seat.  Further, the British Columbia Automobile Association (BCAA) offers a Child Passenger Safety Program which can answer many of your car seat questions.

When to Contact a Lawyer in Vancouver

The personal injury lawyers at Taylor and Blair are experienced with claims involving children.  If your child has been injured in a motor vehicle accident the lawyers at Taylor and Blair can provide you with a free legal consultation and help make sure your child gets the best protection possible.  Contact us at 604-737-6900 to schedule your free initial consultation today.