“Buckle me up!” - Correct Child Safety 
 

 

Do you find it annoying to fasten the seat belt, even when you drive just a short distance? And in addition, you have to make sure the children’s seat belts are fastened. And then of course, the whole different types of child car seats. And what about all the expenses?

In case you should agree, please bear in mind the following: 
 

Why Child Safety? – What could happen to an unbuckled child: 
 

In 2003, 54 Children were injured in traffic accidents in Kaiserslautern and 33 of them were passengers. Of these, 22 children 10 were seriously injured and 23 slightly. If they would have been buckled up correctly, the injuries would have been less serious. 
 

The awareness of child safety for small children is much higher than for elder children. Only half of the school age children are buckled, in fact an adult seat belt is used. Without a child’s car seat an adult seat belt is dangerous due to the child´ s size. When it comes to an accident, the belt could gash the neck or stomach, or the child can slip under the belt during impact. 
 

If you don´ t Buckle up! – Sanctions 
 

The fine on transporting children without restraints is up to 50Euro. Furthermore, your insurance coverage is restricted, even if you are not at fault. 
 

Which children must use a child car seat?

• The use of approved and suitable restraints for children up to 12 years old who are less than 150cm tall is mandatory

All passengers must always be buckled up!

• Again, every passenger in car must fasten the seat belt before taking off. Show and explain to your children how and why you buckle up – children learn, also subconsciously, from their parents
• Even if it takes time: fasten your own seat belt and your children´ s before you drive. Don’t ever make an exception, since accidents can happen everywhere.
• Make sure you choose the correct child car seat
• Be also aware of your child’s safety in the grandparents’ or friends’ car or in a taxi
• Only pick up so many children for whom you can guarantee the maximum safety
• Make sure your child gets into and out of the car facing sidewalk side
• Especially in parking areas: pay attention that your child does not get into danger or endangers other traffic motorists.
• Buckle up every child in a suitable child car seat. Don’t consider the costs of a chills car seat. Keep in mind that the life of a child cant be replaced. Compare chills car seats before buying.

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• Things to Know when Buying a Child Car Seat 
   

• The child’s weight is important. The child’s age only acts as a guideline. When the top of the child’s head appears above the seat shell, it is time for the next seat.  
   

Types of seats 
 

ECE-Group:  0: up to 22lbs (up to approx. 9 months)

                Instant car seat (side mounting) or baby bowl (reboard)

                0+: up to 28lbs (up to approx. 18 months)

                instant car seat (reboard)

            1: 19-39lbs (up to approx. 9 months to 4 ½ years)

                Enclosed seat shell

            2: 33-55lbs (up to approx. 3 ½ to 7 years)

                Five point seat belt system or seat shell with three point belt

            3: 48-80lbs (from approx. 6 years)

                Booster seat 
 
 

Car Seats for the smallest:

• Use a reboard system child seat
• Deactivate the airbag on the front passenger side

 
 Points bear in mind when buying a Child Car Seat:

• Request expert advice
• Test the child car seat before buying, if its fits into your vehicle.
• Let your child test the seat
• Make sure the ECE test mark is approved

Mounting:

• Mount the seat according to the manufacturer’s instructions
• Make sure the seat is securely in place
• The belt in the seat shell must cling to the child’s body
• The belt must run correctly over the child’s body and the buckle must be correctly situated