JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — It takes 10 seconds to install and, if done correctly, a car seat can be the difference between life and death.
Four out of five child car seats are not installed correctly, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Patsy Heiss, a St. Johns County Tax Collector's Office safety technician, said it is important parents get it right every time.
"There is nothing more important than having a child and having their proper care in a car because car accidents are the leading cause of death," Heiss said.
More than one-third of children killed in crashes were not in car seats or wearing seat belts.
Heiss said it is vital that people look at the recommended height and weight requirements.
She says choosing the correct child restraint is a three-step process when keeping your young kids safe:
- Picking out the right car seat for the child
- Learning how to install it into the vehicle properly
- Making sure the child is installed properly
The third step could be the difference between life and death.
In June, five people were killed in a crash on State Road 21 in Clay County. Two kids were in the car -- both were in critical condition. A report said the 4-year-old wasn't wearing a seat belt or child restraint.
Whitney Graves is 32-weeks pregnant and has a 10-month-old. She says practice makes perfect.
"I wouldn't suggest doing it just one time and feeling like you're confident. I learn something new every time that I put a seat in," Graves said.
Many car seat manufacturers provide demonstration videos on YouTube to make it easier for parents to keep their children safe.
WJAX
