This winter, it’s important to make sure your little ones are safe when out and about in the snow. One way to do this is by ensuring they’re wearing a coat while travelling in their car seats. However, not all parents are aware that there is currently no law requiring car manufacturers to install puffy coats in car seats.
The Danger of Airbag Inflation
If you’re anything like me, you love your puffy coats! But if you’re also like me, you probably don’t love the idea of risking getting a head injury in a car accident. After all, car accidents are one of the leading causes of death in the United States.
Here’s why you should stop wearing your puffy coats in your car: Airbags can inflate very quickly in a car accident, and they can cause serious injuries. In fact, according to The Huffington Post, airbags are one of the top two causes of death after motor vehicle accidents.
So if you love your puffy coat and want to keep yourself safe in a car accident, make sure to remove it before getting in the car. And if you’re still worried about it, at least wear a seatbelt!
The Rise in Inflated Airbags
There is a concerning trend of parents not using car seats that provide proper protection for their children in the event of a crash. A recent study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) found that the percentage of children aged 1-4 years old travelling in motor vehicles without a properly installed airbag increased from 2.5% in 2009 to 3.3% in 2015.
While it is understandable that some parents may choose to avoid airbags or use older models that do not come equipped with them, this decision could have serious consequences for their children.
One of the most common reasons why airbags do not deploy in a crash is because the child’s seat is too big or too small. Inflated car seats can also cause problems because they create a barrier between the child and the restraint system in the car. This can increase the risk of injuries to both the child and the driver during a crash.
Proper installation of car seats is essential for protecting your child in a crash, and using an inflated seat may be one way to ensure that your child receives the best possible protection.
Why Puffy Coats in Car Seats Are Dangerous
In the summertime, it’s tempting to take your jackets and coats off when you get in your car. After all, it’s hot outside! But if you do this, you’re putting yourself and others at risk. Puffy coats can prevent you from breathing properly in a car, and they can also obstruct your view. Plus, they can make it difficult to get out of the car if there is an emergency. So don’t forget: If it’s warm outside, leave your jackets and coats at home when you’re driving!
What You Can Do to Avoid This Problem
Most parents are probably familiar with the dangers of car seat puffy coats. These coats can create a false sense of security and actually increase the risk of injuries in a crash. While puffy coats are not the only reason your child may be at risk in a car accident, they are a major contributor. Here are some tips to keep your child safe while traveling:
1. Make sure your child is properly secured in their car seat. Car seats must be installed correctly and using the correct safety harness for your child’s size and weight.
2. Don’t rely on puffy coats to protect your child in a car accident. A car seat alone will not protect them from injury in a crash. In fact, research has shown that children wearing puffy coats are 11 times more likely to be injured in a car accident than those wearing no coat at all!
3. If you do choose to dress your child in a puffy coat, make sure it is properly fitted and secured so it doesn’t move around during the crash.
4. If you’re ever involved in a car accident, stop and get help for your children as soon as possible!Your best chance of saving their lives is to get them.
Conclusion
It’s that time of year again when the cold weather sets in and everyone starts pulling out their puffy coats. But why? According to safety experts, wearing a coat while driving can actually be dangerous and even deadly. When you’re driving, your focus should be on the road ahead and not on keeping warm. Not only is it illegal to wear a coat while driving, but it’s also a distraction that could lead to an accident. If you must wear a coat while driving, make sure it’s an approved model that meets all U.S. Department of Transportation safety standards and don’t put yourself or others at risk by using a puffy coat in your car seat.