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Free child safety seats and instillations

Date: 11/05/20

Did you know that car crashes are the number one killer of children? Using a safety seat can make all the difference. When you are on the road, be sure the babies and children riding with you are safe. There’s no better way to do this than by placing him or her in a car seat. Car seats help prevent fatal injuries during a car crashes.

The University Medical Center of New Orleans is providing free child safety seats to families affected by Hurricane Laura or Delta. The seats will be distributed on a first come, first served basis, so be sure to sign up as soon as possible!

It’s estimated that 96 percent of all child seats are installed incorrectly. That’s why The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission (LHSC) offers free child safety seat installations. Certified technicians will help you select the proper child restraint, ensure your child is placed in it correctly, and that it is correctly installed in your car. You can find the locations that’s offer these services near you here.

The Louisiana Department of Health recommends that parents follow basic steps for safety. The five basic steps are:

  1. Babies should ride in rear-facing child seat in the back seat of a vehicle until they turn one and reach at least 20 pounds.
  2. Once children grow too big for a rear-facing seat, they should remain in the back seat, riding in a forward-facing seat until they turn four and reach at least 40 pounds.
  3. Children who weigh between 40 and 80 pounds and are between ages four and eight also should remain in the back seat, using a booster seat.
  4. If a child is eight or older, is taller than four feet nine inches and weighs at least 80 pounds, he or she can use a seat belt. Children should be able to sit all the way back with their knees bent at the edge of the seat. The lap belt should fit across the tops of their thighs, with the shoulder belt across the center of their shoulders and chest.
  5. A child should not ride in the front seat unless he or she is at least 12 years old.

Using a safety seat not only helps prevent injuries, but it’s also the law. All drivers and passengers must wear a seat belt or be properly restrained in a child safety seat that is properly installed. The fine for not being properly restrained is $50.

The LHSC offer many resources on their website, like car seat recommendations and safety guides. Just like buckling your seatbelt can save your life, using safety seats can save theirs.