More safety tips from Walgreens’ website.
CAR SAFETY
- Always wear a seat belt.
- Obey traffic laws and drive defensively.
- Do not drink alcohol and drive.
- While driving, try to avoid any distractions from others in your car.
- Keep your vehicle properly serviced, especially before going on a long trip. Keep an emergency kit in your car.
- Take the weather into account before venturing out on the roads.
INFANT AND CHILD CAR SEATS
- Car seats are required by law for children under 40 pounds.
- The safest position for an infant car seat is rear facing in the back seat.
- In most models, the infant seat is used AT LEAST until the child reaches 20 pounds and 1 year of age. (Some experts recommend rear-facing child seats until the child is 30 pounds; check the weight restrictions on your specific seat.) At that point, a forward-facing seat can be used. This may require a new car seat — it depends on the model.
- Booster seats should be used for children 40 to 80 pounds. Some states have passed laws requiring that children up to 8 years old or 80 pounds be put in booster seats.
- Read the car owner’s manual to determine the safest place to fasten a car seat in YOUR car.
- Know how your car seat is designed to be used. Read the instructions carefully.
- Adapters may be needed for certain types of cars or certain seat belt types.
- For more information call your car seat manufacturer, car manufacturer, or the State Highway Safety Office.