As a parent, keeping your children safe should always be a top priority. This is especially true when it comes to motor vehicle safety. Tragically, motor vehicle injuries are a leading cause of death among children in the U.S. In 2022 alone, nearly 600 children under the age of 13 died in car accidents; 189 were not wearing seat belts, and many others were not properly restrained at the time of the crash, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Properly using car seats and boosters can greatly reduce the risk of injury and death. The NHTSA estimates that using a car seat can reduce the risk of fatal injury by over 70% for children aged 0-12 months and by 54% for those aged between 1 and 4. That’s why having the right car safety accessories is so important. 

John W. Redmann, an experienced car accident attorney in Metairie, LA, shares a guide that provides an overview of the best car accessories to keep kids safe.

Infant Car Seats

Infant car seats are rear-facing seats designed for babies under 1 year old. They provide optimal support and protection for a baby’s head, neck, and spine. Infant seats should always be installed in the back seat, angled at a 45-degree incline. Consult your car seat’s manual and local regulations for exact guidelines.

Convertible Car Seats

As a child grows, a convertible car seat can be adapted to face forward once your child is at least 1 year old and weighs over 20 lbs. Convertible seats have higher rear-facing weight limits so children can stay rear-facing longer, which is safest. They can then be transitioned to forward-facing until your child outgrows the seat’s height and weight limits.

Car Booster Seat

Once your child outgrows their forward-facing harnessed seat, a booster seat helps position the seat belt properly across their body. Children should use boosters until they are 4’9″ tall, usually between ages 8-12. Boosters reduce the risk of injury by 45% compared to seat belts alone.

Car Seat Accessories for Proper Installation

Using car seats correctly is just as important as having one. Car seat accessories can help ensure proper installation and positioning. Locking clips hold the seat belt tight and in the right position. Non-slip pads keep the car seat from shifting and give it a proper angle. And seat protectors prevent damage to vehicle seats from installation and everyday use.

Monitoring Your Child with Car Backseat Mirror

Backseat mirrors allow parents to monitor children in the backseat during a drive. This gives you a full view of the backseat to make sure that everything’s okay and that children are properly secured. Some convertible car seats also have detachable mirrors built in. For older kids, conversational mirrors allow communication while keeping your eyes on the road.

If an accident does occur, contact an experienced car accident attorney, as you may be eligible for compensation that can help pay for medical bills and recovery. But your best protection is proper use of car seats, boosters, and monitoring accessories. 

Following NHTSA guidelines, reading manuals, and correctly installing seats reduces injury risks by over half. With the right accessories, you can drive with peace of mind knowing your children are safe.