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children ages
one to four in passenger cars. They reduce the need for hospitalization
by 69%. Overall, child safety seats are a highly cost effective
investment!
Source: National
Highway Transportation Safety Administration National Standardized
Child Passenger Safety Training Program Curriculum
What is a
Child Safety Seat Fitting Station?
A Fitting Station is a free and convenient way to have your child's
safety seat inspected or installed by a NHTSA-certified CPS technician.
Parents and caregivers receive personal instruction on the proper
selection, installation, and use of their child safety seats.
Fitting Stations are regularly scheduled inspection events at
fixed locations. Some Fitting Stations require that you make
an appointment to minimize waiting times. Safer currently supports
the following Fitting Stations:
Calendar >>
Alamogordo
2nd Saturday of each month
BY APPOINTMENT ONLY
(575) 439-4375
Albuquerque
2nd and 4th Friday of each month
BY APPOINTMENT ONLY
(505) 856-6143
Deming
2nd Friday of each month
BY APPOINTMENT ONLY
(575) 546-9254
Farmington
2nd Saturday of each month
BY APPOINTMENT ONLY
(800) 231-6145
Las Cruces
1st and 3rd
Wednesday of each month
BY APPOINTMENT ONLY
(575) 528-4161
Raton
3rd Saturday of each month
BY APPOINTMENT ONLY
(575) 445-2704
Rio Rancho
1st Friday of each month
BY APPOINTMENT ONLY
(505) 891-5875
Santa Fe
2nd and 4th Friday of each month
BY APPOINTMENT ONLY
(505) 471-3965, (800) 231-6145
What is a
car seat clinic?
A car seat clinic is another free and convenient way to have
your child's safety seat inspected or installed by a NHTSA-certified
technician. Unlike Fitting Stations, car seat clinics are usually
one-time events at unique locations and appointments are not
made. Safer car seat clinics are "first come, first served"
events. Just bring your child and his or her child safety seat
to receive personal instruction on proper installation and use.
Car seat clinic dates and locations are listed on the Safer calendar
of upcoming events. Calendar >>
Which child
safety seat is the best?
Safer does not recommend or condemn any specific brand or model
of child safety seat, unless it has been recalled. The best child
safety seat fits your child, fits your vehicle, and is used consistently
and correctly. The seat you choose should be free of recalls
and should have labels indicating it meets all appropriate federal
standards. You should never use a child safety seat that has
been altered, is missing parts, or has been involved in a moderate
to severe crash.
What are Ease-of-Use
Ratings?
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA)
has developed a set of ratings for child safety seats based on
their ease-of-use. Each seat is given an Ease-of-Use Rating at
the A, B, or C level. Letter grades are also given in five categories:
1. Pre-assembled
vs. assembly required
2. Clarity of labeling on child safety seat
3. Clarity of written instruction manual
4. Ease of securing child in safety seat
5. Ease of installing child safety seat in vehicle
For all ratings,
visit:
http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/CPS/CSSRating/Index.cfm
How can I know if my child's safety seat has been recalled?
If you mailed in the registration card with your current address
when you purchased your child's safety seat, the seat manufacturer
will notify you by mail of any recalls associated with your particular
seat. If you did not register your seat, or have relocated, you
can visit the web site for the manufacturer of your specific
seat. Look for a "Recall" page within that web site.
You will need to have the model number and date of manufacture
from the seat itself. This information is located on the hard
plastic portion of the seat, usually on the back or bottom of
the seat. Manufacturers >>
There are also
several comprehensive recall lists compiled by reputable agencies.
Again, you will need the model number and date of manufacture
from your child's safety seat before you use these lists.
http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/recalls/childseat.cfm
http://www.buckleupnc.org/using_recalls.cfm
http://www.seatcheck.org/tips_seat_recall_list.html
How do I know
if my child needs to be riding in a booster seat?
The law in New Mexico states that all children 5 and 6 years
old who have outgrown their car seats have to ride in a booster
seat, regardless of how much they weigh. Also, children ages
7 through 12 must ride in a booster seat until the adult seat
belt fits them properly.
How do you
know if the adult seat belt fits your child properly?
If your child is NOT riding in a booster seat, try this 5-step
test:
1. Does the child
sit all the way back against the auto seat?
2. Do the child's knees bend comfortably at the edge of the auto
seat?
3. Is the lap belt below the tummy, touching the thighs?
4. Is the shoulder belt centered on the shoulder and chest?
5. Can the child stay seated like this for the entire trip?
If you answered
"no" to any of these questions, your child needs a
booster seat to ride more safely in the car. Riding in a booster
seat is more comfortable, too!
Source:
Partners
for Child Passenger Safety |
