Incorrect use of child restraints can lead to serious injury to the child in the event of a crash. A study conducted for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in the mid 1990's found that four-out-of-five child restraints were being used incorrectly.

The most critical misuses of the child restraint system (CRS) are:

• Age and weight appropriateness of the CRS;


• Direction of the CRS;


• Placement of the CRS in relation to air bags;


• Secureness/tightness of harness straps and crotch strap of the CRS;


• Use of locking clip for certain vehicle safety belts;


• Fit of vehicle safety belts across child in belt-positioning booster seat; and


• Defective or broken CRS elements.

For more detailed information including installation tips, product ratings, and other useful information, go to www.nhtsa.dot.gov and look for the information concerning child passenger safety.

The City of Hoschton Police Department has a Nationally Certified Child Restraint Technician available to help you ensure you are using your child restraint system properly. Contact the Department for more information.