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What is the law regarding car seats and booster seats?
Everyone including parents, grandparents, relatives and babysitters must make sure that children under age 8 who weigh less than 36 kg (80 lbs) and stand less than 145 cm (4 ft 9 in) are properly secured in the appropriate car seat or booster seat based on his/her weight and height.
When can a child start using a seat belt alone?
Seat belts are made to fit adults. Most children are not tall enough to be safe in a seat belt until they are older.
A child can start using a seat belt alone once the child:
- turns 8 years old or;
- weighs 36 kg (80 lbs) or;
- is 145 cm (4 ft 9 in) tall
For safety, the seat belt should only be used if the child is able to sit with knees bent comfortably at the edge of the vehicle seat and with his/her back fully against the back of the vehicle seat. The shoulder belt must lie flat across the child's shoulder and chest and should not cross over the child's neck. The lap belt should be positioned low over the hips, not the abdomen.
What is the penalty for not using car seats as prescribed by the law?
Drivers who fail to secure or who improperly secure children may be charged and if convicted, will be fined $110.00 and have two demerit points applied to their driving record.
How can I be sure that my car seat is installed and being used correctly?
Drivers should refer to their vehicle owner's manual and the car seat manufacturer's instructions for installation and use of these restraints.
What is the safest location to install a car seat?
The middle back position is considered the safest place because it's furthest away from the point of impact.
When do I move my child out of one seat into another?
As soon as a child outgrows the height or weight limit of his/her car seat, he/she should be moved to the next seat which meets his/her height or weight requirements.
When should I turn my child forward-facing?
It is recommended that a child remain rear-facing as long as possible in a car seat that will accommodate the highest weight and height limit possible.
A child can move to a forward facing direction when he/she is over one year of age and weighs between 10 to 15 kg (22 to 35 lbs).
How can I get my car seat tighter in my vehicle?
Use your knee and your weight to push the car seat down into the vehicle upholstery when tightening the seat belt or UAS (universal anchorage system).
There should be no more than one inch movement from side to side and front to back.
How tight do I need to get the harness straps?
The harness straps should fit snugly. If the straps are too loose, the child could come out of the seat in a crash. You should be able to fit only one finger between the shoulder harness and the child's collarbone.
How do I dispose of my old car seat?
It is important to dispose of your old car seat properly so that no one else use it. Remove or cut the padding, harnessing and tether strap so that it can't be reused. Place them in a garbage bag. Then place the hard shell portion of the car seat in a separate bag.
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