Driving down the highway the other day, I look over to see a sight that makes my heart pound out of my chest. Oh, it’s not the first time and it won’t be the last. But that doesn’t take away the horror…. a toddler on a lap. Just thinking about it riles me up again. 

“WHAT ARE YOU THINKING!?!?!?”

I want to scream at them and sometimes I do (with my windows up). AH!! This graphic picture stays in my mind for days like “The Grudge” when I saw it at the super saver theatre. 

Seriously, there ought to be a website that you could write a complaint – enter a license plate number, make and model, etc – where car seat spies would stalk these “parents” and catch them in their murderous behavior. What a job that would be. I’d sign up. Pure adrenaline alone would make me a scary woman.  

Hopefully we all think it’s crazy to let our kidlets ride without a car seat, but how about all those wrongly installed seats and loose straps? Until a year ago, I never went to a formal training, myself. Most of us have just have never been taught. I want to encourage you to take responsibility as a caregiver. According to about.com, “It is estimated that about 80% of car seats are misused, either because a child is in the wrong seat, the seat is installed wrong, or the child in not placed in the seat correctly”. I was very surprised when I visited my local fire station for my 30-minute physical instruction, that the seats and straps installed correctly were a lot tighter and constricting than I deemed appropriate. Since that day, I have seen some car seats being misused and have tried to share my new knowledge is a respectful, humble way. Totally worth it.  I know that I am no expert on the subject, but I am now a friendly advocate.

Do you know all you should about Car Seat Safety? Click on the links. Educate yourself. Educate Others. You may save a life! 

Great website for all things safety: Safe Kids USA 

Great blog dedicated to the cause: CarSeatBlog

Frequently Asked Questions, Answered.

Better yet, take that next step and learn how to install a car seat properly! Find the nearest inspection station in your area.