Keeping our children safe and well cared for is one of the many roles we play in their lives. We are very mobile these days and protecting your child in the event of an accident largely depends on your child’s safety seat. Here are a few of the most frequently asked questions and answers. We hope this information is helpful.
Are baby car seats required?
According to Florida’s child restraint law, all children that are five years of age or younger have to be properly restrained even if they are sitting in the back. However, only children that are three years old or younger need to be secured in a baby car seat of some kind, whether it’s a separate carrier or it’s been integrated into the vehicle. Children between the ages of four and five must be secured in a separate carrier, an integrated baby car seat, or by a seatbelt.
What is the fine for not using a baby car seat?
If you are not using a baby car seat to secure a child up to three years of age, then you will be fined $60.00 and have three points added to your license, even if the child of that age is secured by a seatbelt.
Where can you find a baby car seat?
You’ll want to make sure that you invest in a high-quality baby car seat to ensure that your child is not only safe and secure, but comfortable as well. The Florida Department of Transportation recommends the suggestions made by the
(American Academy of Pediatrics). You can also search for baby car seats at SaferCar.gov, which allows you to search for baby car seats based on your child’s age, height, and weight.
Is your baby car seat safe to use?
Some baby car seats are safer than others. If you don’t stick to the recommendations of the AAP, then at the very least sign up to receive notifications from the NTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) to receive updates about car seat and booster seat recalls. You can also search their website by manufacturer to find out if the baby car seat you’ve purchased or are considering was recalled.
Is your baby car seat properly installed?
It doesn’t matter how high quality the baby car seat is if it’s not properly installed into your vehicle. You can visit an inspection station, which you can find using the NHTSA’s Child Car Seat Inspection Locator, to receive a baby car seat inspection by a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician. The technician will generally provide advice on how to correctly use and install the seat as well.
For more advice concerning Florida state driving laws, speak to a car accident attorney today. Contact the Law Office of Gloria Seidule at 772-287-1220.
