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AAA Northern California Offers Free Online Car Seat Inspections during Child Passenger Safety Week

ALDO VAZQUEZ

Research shows three out of four car seats are installed incorrectly. In recognition of Child Passenger Safety Week (Sept. 20-26), AAA Northern California is highlighting its free, online service to help keep Californians kids safe while shedding light on common child passenger safety (CPS) seat mistakes.

AAA Northern California launched online car seat inspections as parents and caregivers continued to seek safety advice when stay-at-home orders were enacted. To date, AAA’s nationally certified technicians have performed several hundred online seat checks, ensuring the correct seat is being used and coaching parents and caregivers through adjustments that need to be made.

“By shifting our seat checks to an online format, we’ve continued to deliver on our commitment to Californians most precious cargo,” said Aldo Vazquez, spokesperson, AAA Northern California. “We want parents and caregivers to take advantage of this free expertise because we know that it can help keep kids safe.”

English is not my first language, but the technician was patient enough to guide me through all the steps. At the end of the session, she even shared her personal story about her kids and promised to help me whenever needed.— Long Thai, San Jose parent who recently used AAA Northern California's virtual car seat inspection.

As Child Passenger Safety Week begins, AAA Northern California is also sharing six common child safety seat mistakes in hopes of helping parents and caregivers avoid them:

  1. Seats aren’t secured tightly enough. Children’s car seats should not move side-to-side or front-to-back more than one inch when tested at the belt path.
  2. Harness straps are too loose. Harness straps should lay flat and be snug enough that you cannot pinch extra harness material at a child’s shoulder.
  3. Shoulder straps of harness not positioned properly. In rear-facing seats, shoulder straps should lie flat and be placed through the slot that is at or just below a child’s shoulders. In forward-facing seats, shoulder straps should lie flat and be placed through the slot that is at or just above a child’s shoulders.
  4. Retainer clip (or chest clip) is too low. Always place the retainer clip at armpit level.If the clip is too low, a child can come out of the harness or the clip can cause abdominal injuries.
  5. Turning children forward facing too soon. Infants and toddlers should ride in a rear-facing child safety seat as long as possible, until they reach the highest weight or height allowed by their seat.
  6. Moving children out of booster seats too soon. Keep children in a belt-positioning booster seat until a vehicle’s adult seat belt fits properly. Seat belts are designed to fit adults, not growing children.

Help Keep Kids Safe With Your Next Oil Change

For the month of September, you can help families in need receive a new car seat with your next oil change at any AAA Auto Repair Center near you. To learn more and to find your local AAA Auto Repair Center visit AAA.com/repair.

For more information or to schedule a free, virtual car seat inspection, visit AAA.com/carseats.

About AAA Northern California

AAA has a proud history of serving Members for over 100 years. AAA is on a mission to create Members for life by unleashing the innovative spirit of 4,000 employees representing 6 million Members across Northern California, Arizona, Utah, Nevada, Montana, Wyoming and Alaska. In addition to legendary roadside assistance, AAA offers home, auto and life insurance, safety, travel and home security services. According to Via Magazine's Smart Guide, being a AAA Member can save you more than $1,200 a year. Learn more at AAA.com.

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