How to Keep Your Older Child Safe in the Car

Stephanie Tombrello: I am Stephanie Tombrello nationally certified child passenger safety technician and instructor and Executive Director SafetyBeltSafe, USA. Whether you are going on a few errands or taking a trip around the country, it's imperative to have your young ones buckled up, in fact your whole family buckled up correctly for every ride. Now I am going to tell you the best ways to protect your older children. In terms of child passenger safety, in general an older child is a youngster who is no longer able to ride in a safety seat with the full harness. Today that often means a child who is five years old or more. We will discuss choosing and using the proper child safety seat for your older child and when your child is ready to start using the safety belt all by himself and I will help you understand why the back seat is still the safest place for your children to sit .

For demonstration purposes I will be using this van and a variety of child safety seats. Remember there are many safety seats out there made to fit all makes and models of cars. You will want to have a safety seat that is designed to fit the weight, height and age of your child. Did you know that every state has laws requiring the use of child safety seats? However when safety seats aren't properly installed, it cannot only jeopardize the safety of your child but everyone riding in the vehicle. Although shot in 1979 this footage still clearly shows what happens during the low speed collision. Keeping your children safe however is just the first step. Your children look up to you so set the right example and buckle yourself up properly every time you hit the road. Before we begin, let me tell you a little bit about me. I am Stephanie Tombrello Executive Director of SafetyBeltSafe, USA the National Nonprofit devoted exclusively to child passenger safety. Founded in 1980 our focus has been getting the message out about the correct consistent use of safety seats and safety belts to protect children in the vehicle. Now that you a little bit about me, let's get started and I will show you how to keep your child safe in the car.