Car Seat Safety: A Critical Reminder from the Law Offices of Clarence Barry-Austin

Clarence Barry-Austin

When it comes to protecting your child, few things are more important than ensuring they are properly secured every time you get in the car. Yet, despite our best intentions, car seat misuse remains alarmingly common. With Child Passenger Safety Week taking place from September 21–27, now is the perfect time for New Jersey parents to double-check their car seat setup—and make child safety a non-negotiable priority.

At the Law Offices of Clarence Barry-Austin, we’ve seen the devastating consequences of car accidents involving improperly restrained children. A few simple adjustments today could prevent tragedy tomorrow.

1. Harness and Strap Positioning: The Details Matter

It’s not just about having a car seat—it’s about using it correctly. Straps should:

  • Lie flat and snug across your child’s shoulders

  • Be free from twists or slack

  • Sit with the chest clip aligned at armpit level

Even minor mistakes in positioning can reduce a seat’s ability to protect your child in a crash.

2. Confirm the Seat is Installed Correctly

More than half of car seats on the road today are incorrectly installed, according to national safety data. To test yours:

  • Pull the seat at its base— it shouldn’t move more than an inch in any direction

  • Use either the vehicle's seat belt or the LATCH system—not both

An improperly anchored seat can be just as dangerous as no seat at all.

3. Use the Right Seat for Your Child’s Size and Age

Every child grows differently, and their car seat needs to match their development:

  • Rear-facing seats are safest for infants and toddlers

  • Forward-facing seats with harnesses suit older toddlers and preschoolers

  • Booster seats are for older children until they properly fit in a seatbelt

Use the NHTSA Car Seat Finder to find a seat that meets both federal safety standards and your child's specific measurements.

4. Schedule a Free Local Car Seat Inspection

Many New Jersey communities offer free inspections by certified technicians. These experts can help you:

  • Adjust the straps and positioning

  • Verify the installation

  • Ensure you’re using the correct seat type

It’s a quick appointment that could save a life.

5. Don’t Rush Transitions

While it may be tempting to move your child to a “big kid” seat early, safety experts strongly recommend waiting:

  • Rear-facing as long as possible

  • Harnessed seats until the child maxes out weight or height limits

  • Booster seats until seat belts fit safely across the chest and hips

Each transition should be based on safety readiness, not convenience.

Why This Matters—From a Legal Perspective

Improper car seat use can increase the severity of injuries in an accident—and may even impact your legal rights. If your child is hurt in a crash due to someone else’s negligence, our firm is here to help you navigate the legal process and seek full compensation.

As a New Jersey personal injury law firm, the Law Offices of Clarence Barry-Austin is committed to protecting children and families. Child Passenger Safety Week is more than a public awareness campaign—it’s a call to action for every parent and caregiver.

Let’s Make Safety the Standard

Before the back-to-school rush or fall activities fill your schedule, take a moment to reassess your child’s car seat. It’s a small investment of time with life-saving potential.

If your family has been affected by a vehicle-related injury, reach out to us for experienced legal guidance and compassionate support.

📞 Contact the Law Offices of Clarence Barry-Austin today for a free consultation.

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