Replacing a child restraint

For children from the ages of three to fourteen years old, automobile crashes are still the leading cause of death.  However, for the last 30 years these numbers have gotten much better with new technologies, better regulations, and improved communication to parents.  But there is still room for improvements.

Most manufactures of child restraints for cars will replace the restraints after a car accident, but some manufactures don't, leaving you with the bill to replace the expensive seat.  So what to do with your used child seat and how do you replace it properly?  The answer is not saving a few bucks by buying a used yard sale or craigslist model or selling off your used one to make back some money.  Reselling crashed seats may help with the financial burden of a new seat, but can cause someone else’s child their safety. 

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has come up with five simple rules to follow first before replacing your child restraints.

* The vehicle was able to be driven away from the crash site;

* The vehicle door nearest the child restraint was undamaged;

* There were no injuries to any of the vehicle occupants;

* The air bags (if present) did not deploy; AND

* There is no visible damage to the child restraint.

If your minor crash causes no noticeable problems with your child’s seat, then you might not have to replace it in the first place. 

            However, if there is noticeable damage, the best thing to do is to write on the various major parts of the child restraint, “Crashed – Not Safe To Use.”   After writing the warning, you can discard the seat by either trash pick up, or call your local recycler to see if they can reuse the plastics and metals.  However, your manufacturer may require you to turn-in the used equipment. Also, some insurance companies are now covering the replacement of a child seat in the customer’s car when it has been involved in a moderate to severe crash.  But if you are required to return the damaged seat, make sure you still write a warning on the parts. 

            For other related tips on child seating, make sure you register your seat with the manufacturer for tips and emergency recalls.

http://www.nhtsa.gov/people/injury/childps/ChildRestraints/ReUse/RestraintReUse.htm

http://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Pubs/811157.pdf

http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/recalls/register/childseat/index.cfm

http://www.car-seat.org/member.php?u=1299

http://www.facebook.com/ReggioInsuranceAgency