This picture should give you reason enough as to why I care so much about car seat safety. Obviously, I care about my children and want to keep them as safe as possible; but the truth is, there is much more to it. Injuries caused by improper car seat use are 100% preventable, and I aim to get this information to every parent or child caregiver.

When my oldest, who is now 5, was 1 years old we were involved in car accident and were t-boned turning left. The car was hit on the side his car seat was on and was completely totaled. I remember screaming through the ringing ears and smoke of the airbag and looking back as someone pulled my crying baby out of the shattered window.

We were the lucky ones. We were part of the 5% of car seat users who were using the car seat correctly. I do not say this to be prideful, because at the time I had no idea the impact that improper car seat use could cause. I simply followed the instructions from the car seat manual and didn’t think about it again. The police officers who responded to the accident said my baby probably would not have made it if that car seat was not installed like it was.

I care so deeply about everyone, and I want every child to be safe in the car. I see parents who are making simple mistakes and it makes me so upset! These simple mistakes can cause lasting impacts. Most parents do not realize the impact of these little things and that their children are not as safe as they could be while in the car.

Do not think “it won’t happen to me.” It’s not about you as a driver. It’s the same reason you have car insurance, to protect yourself and your car. The car seat is meant to protect your child. Please spend the time to educate yourself about your specific car seat and how to use it correctly in your car. Be open with your children and those around your family about why it is important to you. Speak up to friends and family when you notice one of those simple mistakes. If you say it from a place of love, most people will understand and be grateful for the information you gave them. It could very well save their child one day.

The fact is, when used correctly, a car seat will save a child’s life in the event of a car accident. There is no reason to be lenient on your car seat use. There is no reason to ever go a day in the car and wonder if the car seat is installed correctly. There are so many tools out there (like this blog) to help parents ensure their child is safe in the car. Use these tools, learn the information, and drive confidently with your kids in the car. Don’t let yourself be part of the 95% of car seat users who are using them incorrectly.

THIS IS NOT THE TIME TO CHECK YOUR CAR SEAT.