Traffic Concerns Form
Child Safety Seat Requirements
Accident Investigation & Reconstruction
Speed Monitoring Awareness Radar Trailer (SMART)
Tip of the Month
Contact the Traffic Safety Officers
Red Light Enforcement
Ordinance
Permit Fee Schedule

FOUR STEPS FOR KIDS

The Addison Police Department realizes the importance of having a properly installed child safety seat.  If you are unable to secure your child seat or would like assistance in checking your seat for recalls or proper installation, whether you are a resident of Addison or not, contact the Addison Police Department Traffic Safety Unit at (630) 543-3080.

Did you know that at least four out of five children in safety seats are improperly restrained? The National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA) recommends that all children, up to 80 pounds, use child safety seats. The Four Steps for Kids are:

1. Rear-Facing Child Seats
   Use rear-facing seats for children from birth to at least 20 pounds and at least one year of age.
   
   
2. Forward-Facing Child Seats
   Use forward-facing seats for children over 20 pounds and at least one year to about 40 pounds and about age four.
   
   
3. Belt-Positioning Booster Seats
   Seat belts can seriously injure small children who are not properly placed in safety seats. Use booster seats for children who weigh from about 40 pounds to about 80 pounds and measure 4' 9" in height.
   
   
4. Seat Belts
   Use seat belts when children are large enough for belts to fit correctly: at least 4' 9" tall and about 80 pounds.

TOP 10 CAR SEAT MISTAKES

1. Seat Belt Not Securing Child Safety Seat Tightly
   When properly secured, a child seat should not move side to side more than 1 inch when the seat is pulled from the base near the seat belt.
   
   
2. Child Facing Forward Too Soon
   The American Academy of Pediatrics has recommended that children remain rear facing in a child safety seat until they reach both one year of age and 20 pounds.
   
   
3. Harness Straps In Wrong Slots When rear facing, harness straps should be routed through the slots that are "at or below" the child’s shoulders. When forward facing, the straps should be routed through the slots that are "at or above" the shoulders. For most convertible seats, the harness straps should be at the highest slots when forward facing, as these slots are reinforced.
   
   
4. Locking Clip Not Used When Required
   A locking clip should be used when you have a seat belt system that is a lap and shoulder belt combination, with a free sliding latch plate, and an emergency locking retractor (a retractor that only locks in a crash or emergency braking). The locking clip should be installed within 1 inch of the buckle.
   
   
5. Retainer Clip Not Used Correctly
   The retainer clip, which properly positions the shoulder harness straps, should be at the child’s armpit level. The straps should be threaded through the clip in the same manner on both sides.
   
   
6. Harness Straps Not Tight Enough
   The harness straps are what will hold your child in position in the child seat when a crash occurs. They should be snug enough so that only one finger can be placed between the strap and the child’s shoulder.
   
   
7. Improper Child Seat For The Child
   Every child seat has weight and height parameters. Never exceed these parameters as set by the manufacturer. If your child weighs more than the seat allows, you must transition your child to another seat. Do not move your child too soon into a seat belt only. Seat belts are designed for adults, not six year old children. Children under 4' 9" and under 80 pounds are recommended to be placed in a booster seat to avoid possible internal injuries caused by "Seat Belt Syndrome."
   
   
8. Using A Recalled Or Unsafe Seat
   Many child seats have been recalled by the manufacturers, but not all recalls require the seat to be destroyed. Many simply require a replacement part that you can obtain free. A copy of the current recall list is available on the NHTSA website. Do not use a child seat that has been purchased from a resale shop or at a garage sale. You do not know the history behind the seat, and it may be missing critical parts. Lastly, never use a child seat after it has been involved in a crash. You should ask that it be replaced by your insurance company when they fix your car. This also applies to seat belts which are only designed for one time use after the vehicle's occupants use them in a crash.
   
   
9. Child Seat Incompatible With Vehicle Seat/Air Bag
   Never place a rear-facing child seat in front of a passenger side air bag! Also, not every child seat will fit properly in every car. Some seat belt systems and vehicle seat designs make it very difficult, if not impossible, to install a child seat properly. Some child seat designs are not compatible with certain cars. Try before you buy!
   
   
10. "Foreign Objects" Used To Secure A Child Seat
    Do not use such items as bungee cords, tie down straps, rope, wire, clamps, etc., to secure your child seat. These items could prove dangerous in a crash. A rolled up towel or foam "pool noodle" can be used under a rear-facing seat to assist in properly positioning the child seat the required 45 degree angle.

For further information, contact SafeKids at www.safekids.org.

CHILD SAFETY SEAT RECALLS FROM GRACO

For information on recalls on child safety restraint systems from Graco, see the following:

Graco Child Restraint Campaign 07C006
Graco Child Restraint Campaign 08C009

For any other safety recall inquiries, visit Safercar.gov.