Car Seat Safety - Part 1 - ABCS Safety Training Inc.

Anytime you’re on (or off) site, in any sort of equipment or vehicle… the first rule is to put on your seat belt. Why? Obviously because seat belts save lives. What about when it comes to our children? We all use car seats, but did you know that it’s estimated they are used incorrectly 50% of the time! That is a huge number…it means we are taking a 50/50 chance with our most precious cargo. This has to change. Let’s go over some musts when strapping your little ones in.

Let’s start at the beginning, purchasing a car seat. Canada has very strict safety regulations when it comes to car seats. Even the United States does not meet our standards. I know car seats are much cheaper in the states, but you do get what you pay for. Not only are they not as safe as seats manufactured for Canada but it’s also illegal to use one. If you get pulled over using a car seat missing the national safety mark you’re looking at $179 fine and could be charged with child endangerment, not to mention the hospital will not let you take your baby home in a car seat without it. Just because you can order one online and ship it to your home does not make it legal. Border patrol will seize it. There are no seats manufactured to cross borders. Also, you are not likely to be contacted if there is a recall and you have purchased out of country. Now when it comes to buying used; it’s not really recommended. Unfortunately, not everyone can afford a brand new one. So if you are buying used make sure it’s not past the expiration date and the instructions are included. Please note, even if it’s not expired but manufactured before 2012 it is not up to code. Canada revamped our safety standards and it will no longer meet them. Try to buy from someone you know and trust. Car seats are void after it’s been in even the smallest of accidents. There is no real way of telling, so you have to trust the person you’re buying from. Alright, now we know the do’s and don’ts when purchasing a car seat, tomorrow let’s figure out which one we need.