Top Five Car Seat Myths Dispelled from Buckle Up for Life

Oct 15, 2015

Child Passenger Safety Week took place last moth from September 13-19. Just in time for this event, Toyota and Cincinnati Children’s partnered up to create Buckle Up for Life. This nationwide educational program works to keep children safe while in a vehicle. As part of their mission, Buckle Up for Life has released the top five myths about car seats and is giving the true facts behind them.

Myth #1: Used car seats are fine to use

FACT: Car seats have expiration dates

Just like a motorcycle helmet, if a car seat has ever been in an impact situation, it may be compromised and unable to protect a child during a crash. Plastic also breaks down over time. Always check the expiration date on a used car seat and get it from a trusted source that will be honest about its history.

Myth #2: Small children are protected by seat belts alone

FACT: Children under 4′ 9” need a booster seat

Children under 4′ 9” need to ride in booster seats because seat belts can ride up around their necks or waist, causing injury during a crash.

Myth #3: The more expensive a car seat, the better it is

FACT: All approved car seats are equally safe

Since all car seats must meet NHTSA guidelines, the only factors that make them more expensive are fabric, padding or extra accessories.

Myth #4: Older children may sit in the front seat

FACT: Children under age 13 are safest in the back seat

Just because a child outgrows their booster seat does not men they are safer in the front seat. Back is better under age 13.

Myth #5: One year olds may ride in a forward facing car seat

FACT: Children must face rear until age two

According to studies, children under the age of two are 75 percent less likely to be severely hurt or die in a crash if they are facing rear.