A motor vehicle accident can result in serious injuries to you and your family. They occur anywhere, from congested streets to rural roads. Having your child in a car seat can save his or her life during a crash.
If you had your child in the vehicle during an accident, you might have to replace the car seat to prevent injuries in the future.
Inspecting the car seat for damage
You may not be able to spot damage on a car seat. If you see cracks or bending in the plastic shell, you should know that you need to dispose of the car seat. During the collision, the force can bend a vehicle’s steel frame. The force of the seatbelt against the car seat can cause damage to the integrity of the seat. You should not rely on anyone to inspect your car seat. Even safety technicians cannot always see the damage. It is better not to rely on an inspection but on the severity of the crash.
Following car seat guidelines
Most manufacturers have guidelines for when to dispose of a car seat. You should always follow the instructions first. Some may instruct you purchase a replacement even after a minor crash. However, you may also be able to keep a car seat after minor collisions.
You must be able to drive your vehicle away after a minor crash. None of the passengers can suffer any injuries and the door nearest the car seat cannot suffer any damage. If you have airbags, the airbags cannot deploy.
When it comes to your child’s safety, remain cautious and if you have any doubts about the car seat, do not use it again.
