NHTSA releases tools, campaign to promote car seat safety

Washington – To highlight the importance of child car seat safety, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has unveiled a tool to help parents choose the appropriate car seat or booster seat.

Parents enter the child’s birthdate, weight and height in the Car Seat Finder Tool to search for the correct car seat.

The new “Don’t Delay. Register Your Car Seat Today” campaign urges parents to register car seats so they receive notifications from manufacturers in the event of a recall.

According to NHTSA, more than 7.4 million car seats have been recalled in 2014 due to defective buckles. Despite this, only 40 percent of people on average get their car seat fixed.

Parents also can look for car seat, vehicle and tire recalls, as well as receive help on installing car seats through the SaferCar mobile app.

NHTSA offers these additional tips:

• Read the car seat instructions and the vehicle owner’s manual.
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions in the event of a recall.
• Visit a car seat inspection station.
• Make sure children younger than 13 are restrained in the back seat.
• Wear your safety belt.