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Car Seat Basics: Registration & Recalls
Every year, approximately 2,500 children aged one to four are killed in a car accidents in Canada, reports the Canadian Paediatric Society (CPS). Using car seats and booster seats can reduce the risk of injury and death should a crash occur. It’s important to use your child’s restraint according to the manufacturer’s instructions and check periodically to ensure that the seat is not under recall.
Registering Your Car Seat
When you purchase a car seat or booster seat, it should come with a registration card. Fill out the card in its entirety and send it to the manufacturer. The manufacturer will keep your purchase and contact information on file. If ever the manufacturer becomes aware of a defect with your car seat model or your seat is subject to a recall, the manufacturer will be able to notify you.
Some manufacturers allow you to register your car seat online for added convenience. If you’re unsure whether or not your seat is registered, contact the manufacturer directly to make an inquiry. It will provide you with directions on registering your seat.
Car Seat Recalls
Your car seat manufacturer should notify you if your seat is the subject of a recall. However, if your address has changed since you registered your seat, or if you never sent in your registration card, you likely won’t receive a recall notification.
In addition to calling the manufacturer to inquire about recent recalls, you can peruse the most recent car seat and booster seat recalls on Transport Canada’s website under the Child Safety directory. Transport Canada has the responsibility of documenting, monitoring and altering the public of all safety-related child car seat recalls.
On the site, you can search for recalls by manufacturer. Each recall notice will provide information on the defect as well as what to do to remedy it. In most instances, the manufacturer will remedy the situation either by replacing the defective part or providing you with a new seat.
Car Seat Tips
The CPS provides a few helpful child seat safety tips to keep in mind.
- Up to 90 percent of car seats are used incorrectly, explains the CPS. After purchasing your seat, read the manufacturer’s instructions and follow them exactly. Keep them in a file for future reference.
- Ensure your child’s seat is suited for her weight and height.
- Always situate your child’s seat in the middle of the back seat whenever possible because this is the safest spot in the car, should a crash occur.
- After you buckle the seat in, wiggle it around. It should move no more than 2.5 cm in any direction.
- You can contact a local fire, police or public health department to see if they have someone there who can check your seat to ensure it’s installed properly.
Accident Lawyers in Ontario When You Need Them
Preszler Injury Lawyers lawyers handle all aspects of injury law, including defective product injuries and auto accidents. If you need to speak to a lawyer in Ontario, contact us today at 1-800-JUSTICE®.
