Car Seat Considerations

Some vehicles may have safety belt systems—such as automatic safety belts—that require additional hardware to install child safety seats correctly. Be sure to read both the vehicle and safety seat manuals and labels on safety belts.

Vehicles Manufactured After Sept. 1, 1995

Vehicles now are equipped with safety belt locking features—such as locking or switchable retractors—that make installation of child safety seats easier. To ensure that is the case, read the vehicle owner's manual and safety belt labels.

Beware: Danger Areas for Children

Kids Are Not Cargo!

Never let children ride or play in the cargo area, trunk or bed of any vehicle -- even if the area is covered. They can be thrown from the vehicle in the event of a crash, sudden stop or even when driving over a rough road.

Trunks

Make sure children do not have access to your vehicle's trunk. Once inside, they may not be able to escape, even if they have entered through the interior, since many rear seats only release to the trunk from inside the passenger compartment. Children trapped in trunks can die of suffocation or heat stroke.

Unattended Children

Never allow children unmonitored access to vehicles or leave them unattended in a vehicle. When left in a vehicle, children can quickly become ill or die from heat build-up inside of the vehicle. In addition, never allow children access to car keys or remote locking/unlocking devices. A child could inadvertently put the vehicle in gear or neutral and cause it to roll away.

Keep children safe by keeping them out of your vehicle unless you are there!