car seat safety

Tips for Keeping Young Passengers Safe This Winter

November 15, 2019 | The Victor Rotolo Law Firm

The recent drop in temperature was a sudden reminder that winter is on its way – time to break out the heavy coats and other cold weather gear. For drivers, it’s also time to reassess your safety checklist before hitting the road, especially when travelling with young children.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reminds us that it can be just as dangerous to leave young children alone in a car during the winter as it is in the summer. Children are more susceptible than adults to injuries from the cold.

In light of this, it can be challenging to keep young children warm and safe while in the car. Bulky winter clothing can interfere with the harnesses of child car seats, resulting in a fit too loose to protect the child in the event of an accident. For tips on how to overcome this and other winter hazards, read the NHTSA’s article “Keep Your Little Ones Warm and Safe in Their Car Seats.”

New Guidelines Aimed At Keeping Young Children Safer In Cars

September 15, 2018 | Rotolo Karch Law

Riding in automobiles is one of the most dangerous things children in the U.S. do on a daily basis, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics Council on Injury. However, the the Academy points out, using the right car and booster seats correctly can help reduce risk of serious injury to a child by more than 70%.

With this in mind, the Academy recently revised its guidelines on car seats, urging parents to keep their young children in rear-facing seats even longer than previously recommended. This position, the Academy says, offers better protection to young children’s heads and necks in the event of an accident. To learn more about how to protect your child while riding in your car, read “Experts drop kids’ age limit for rear-facing car seats.”

Are You Using Your Child’s Car Seat Correctly?

April 15, 2018 | Rotolo Karch Law

For decades now parents have understood that, when traveling by car, the best way to protect their young children from injury in the event of an accident was to make sure the children were properly secured in their car seats. But questions relating to the proper use of car seats still plaque parents and caregivers today: What type of car seat does my child need? Have I installed the car seat correctly? At what age should I turn the car seat around?

New Jersey is one of eight states to have laws stipulating that children under the age of two years be placed in rear-facing car seats. Studies have shown that these seats offer the most protection for very young children in front- and side-impact collisions. Now, a new study reveals this is true for rear-impact accidents as well. To learn more, read “Don’t turn around: . . .”