Car seats are one of the most important tools parents can use to keep young ones safe in a vehicle, but many adults are not given enough information about proper safety practices. According to a study from the University of Michigan, most emergency treatment facilities lack knowledge about resources related to car seats and don't relay valuable information that could prevent injuries in the long run.
More than 130,000 children under the age of 13 are treated in emergency rooms after car accidents, but when families find themselves in these situations, they are not given adequate information about improving vehicle safety. In fact, less than half of physicians would provide parents with instructions or advice about using car seats more effectively.
"Unfortunately, our research showed that many emergency physicians are not aware of community resources for child passenger safety," said Michelle L. Macy, author of the study. "... Families are frequently discharged following a car crash without referrals to local resources where parents can obtain additional information about child safety seats."
If a car is involved in an accident severe enough to result in the need for auto repair, drivers should replace the car seats as part of the standard post-crash vehicle maintenance.