Lede: Following a highway accident, questions arise regarding the safety of child car seats, as guidelines suggest specific protocols for replacement.
Article:
After a recent crash on the highway, Emily Thomas, a car seat safety expert for Consumer Reports, faced the dilemma of whether to replace her children's car seats, which remained in the vehicle during the incident. Fortunately, Thomas and her kids were not in the car at the time of the crash, which involved rear-end impact.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), car seats may not need replacement if involved in a minor crash. However, in cases of moderate to severe accidents, a replacement is required. In Thomas's situation, the airbags deployed, both vehicles were towed, and while her car seats showed no visible damage, they must still be replaced.
Some manufacturers advise replacing car seats after any crash. Parents should refer to their car seat's specific guidelines. If a replacement is necessary, contacting an insurance provider may help cover costs. Proper disposal of damaged seats requires removing covers, cutting harness straps, and marking them as “Do Not Use.”
When not in use, car seats should be securely fastened to prevent them from becoming projectiles in a crash. It is also crucial to ensure that children are properly harnessed during travel.
Consumer Reports experts recommend avoiding secondhand car seats, but for those who consider them, an interactive decision chart is available on their website to assess safety.
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