Back-to-School Safety Q&A: Expert Tips from Child Passenger Safety Advocate, Sarah Tilton

Introduction: In a quest for back-to-school safety tips, we had the privilege of interviewing a true expert in the field. Sarah Tilton, Britax Director of Consumer Advocacy and a renowned Child Passenger Safety advocate, shared some invaluable tips for navigating the road to child transportation safely!

Magic Beans: What factors contribute to the need for discussing car seat and booster usage during back-to-school season?

Sarah: Several factors contribute to this conversation. Here are just a few:

• Increased Traffic: The beginning of the school year often brings more traffic as parents drop off and pick up their children. More vehicles on the road mean a higher risk of accidents. Properly secured car seats and boosters reduce the impact collisions on child passengers.
• Child Development: Children's smaller size and delicate bone structure make restraints essential for protection during accidents. Properly used restraint systems like car seats and boosters are essential to protecting them and reduce the risk of injuries.
• Rushed Schedules: Families feeling rushed can lead to increased risk of distractibility leading to vehicle crashes. When in a hurry, caregivers might overlook proper car seat and booster usage, putting children's safety at risk.
• Unfamiliar Routes: Navigating unfamiliar routes can cause confusion and stress, increasing accident risks.
• Peer Influence: Peer influence can be significant. If one child is not using a car seat or booster as required, it could encourage other children and parents to neglect proper restraint usage. This underlines the importance of setting a good example.
• Carpool Chaos: Hectic pick-up and drop-off lines in carpool situations can lead to rushed actions, such as children buckling up with backpacks still on. The time pressure increases the likelihood of improper usage of car seats and boosters.
• Weather Changes: Depending on the location, back-to-school time might coincide with changing weather conditions like heavy rain, fog, or altering daylight hours. These conditions can affect visibility and road safety, making accidents more likely. Properly secured children are better protected in such situations.
• Protecting All Passengers: When transporting multiple children or in carpool scenarios, the correct use of car seats and boosters is crucial to ensure the safety of all passengers. Every child should be appropriately secured to minimize the risk of injuries in case of accidents.

Magic Beans: Where can parents find guidance to help ensure their child's transportation safety?

Sarah: There are several resources parents can explore for guidance:

• Nhtsa.gov: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) provides comprehensive information on car seat safety, including guidelines, installation instructions, and recall information. Their website also offers a tool to help parents find the right car seat based on their child's age and size.
• SafeKids.org: Safe Kids Worldwide is a nonprofit organization dedicated to child safety. Their website offers valuable resources on car seat safety, including videos, checklists, and tips for proper installation and usage.
• Ghsa.org/state-laws: The Child Passenger Safety page of the Governors Highway Safety Association describes the statewide laws related to child passenger safety across the country.
• Car Seat Manufacturer's Websites: Most car seat manufacturers provide detailed information on their websites, including installation videos and FAQs. Checking the manufacturer's website for your specific car seat model can be beneficial.

Magic Beans: What resources does the Britax website offer for car seat safety?

Sarah: The us.britax.com website provides valuable resources, including:

•  How to choose a car seat and product information;
•  Car seat user guides;
•  How-to videos demonstrating proper car seat usage; and
•  Informative articles on car seat best practices.

Magic Beans: Could you please provide us with your expert recommendations for car seats or boosters that parents should consider as they prepare for back-to-school safety solutions?

Sarah: Certainly, I might be a bit biased, but I can confidently say that Britax offers a range of trusted options. Allow me to share my three top picks:

1. Britax® One4Life™ Convertible Car Seat  (feature NEW Diamond Quilted Gray): 

1. This versatile car seat is designed to grow with your child from birth to booster and for up to 10 years. It offers four configurations - rear-facing infant mode, rear-facing toddler mode, forward-facing 5-point harness mode, and high-back belt-positioning booster seat. From the earliest days to back-to-school adventures, the Britax One4Life provides continuous safety, which can be a great solution for carpools with different size little passengers catching rides. With ClickTight® technology for easy installation, a high-strength steel frame, SafeCell™ crumple zone, and a machine-washable, flame-retardant cover, your child's protection is paramount at every stage.
2. Britax Grow With You™ ClickTight® Harness-2-Booster Car Seat (feature Gray Contour): For growing preschoolers to big kids, the Britax Grow With You ClickTight is the perfect solution. Starting as a forward-facing 5-point harness seat up to 65 pounds, it seamlessly transitions into a belt-positioning booster that aligns with your car's seat belt. ClickTight Technology helps ensure effortless installation, while features like color-coded belt guides and SafeCell® Technology enhance safety. From preschool to big kid age, this car seat evolves alongside your child's journey.
3. Britax Highpoint® 2-Stage Belt-Positioning Booster (feature Gray Ombre): As the back-to-school hustle begins, prioritize your big kid’s safety with the Highpoint Booster. This exceptional booster offers adaptable usage, transitioning from high-back to backless. Designed for convenience, it features a machine-washable cover, a naturally flame-retardant construction, and a lightweight design that's perfect for family adventures or carpooling. With its sleek look and reliable safety features, the Highpoint® Booster aids in safe and comfortable travels.

Get ready for a school year filled with safe adventures. All the recommended car seats and boosters are available at MBeans.com.

Conclusion: As we embark on another school year and encounter the flurry of activities that come with it, our dedication to our children's safety remains unwavering. By harnessing the knowledge and insights Sarah has shared with us, we can navigate the challenges of the back-to-school period with confidence, helping to ensure our children's safety is always our top priority on every journey we undertake.