As we continue our car seat safety series, be sure to visit part 1 where we discuss the types of car seats and safety recommendations for parents. Car seat safety is an important topic for parents to be familiar with especially in New Mexico.
Car Seat Safety Guidelines
As a reminder, infants under 20 pounds should remain in a rear-facing/infant car seat with a 5-point harness system. According to the New Mexico Motor Vehicle Department, children are required up to their 7th birthday, regardless of weight, to ride in a child safety seat.
Car seats come in all shapes and sizes. With that, comes various accessories and installation challenges. From infants and toddlers to preschoolers and school-aged children, proper installation may be confusing. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics and Healthy Children Organization, car seat restraints are not all the same. The type of seat your child needs depends on age, size, weight, and developmental needs.
Car Seat Safety Resources in New Mexico
For New Mexicans looking for assistance, Safer New Mexico Now provides training for the National Child Passenger Safety Certification Training Program (CPS). Certified CPS technicians assist parents and caregivers with information on proper installation, selection, and best practices of child safety seats. Safer New Mexico also provides a fitting station and car seat clinics to help new or expecting parents.
According to AAA New Mexico, car crashes remain the No. 1 cause of death among children, and three out of four car seats are installed incorrectly. Regardless of which car seat type, children should ride in the back seat. The back seat is the safest place in the vehicle.
How Sanchez and Piñon Can Help
If you or someone you know has been in an auto accident involving an infant or small child and are seeking representation, contact Sanchez and Piñon, Rio Rancho’s auto accident and injury attorneys.
