No matter how many parenting books you read, it seems that we learn something new every day about parenting. According to AAA, 75% of car seats are installed improperly, leaving room for disaster if you are involved in a car accident. Gathered is a list a few very common, but dangerous, child-safety mistakes:

• No matter how ready you think your child is for the big boy or girl chair, there are rules and restrictions for a reason. Small children do not receive sufficient protection from seat belts because they do not fit across their bodies properly. As tempting as it may be to do the switch out of the car seat as quickly as possible, refrain from doing so.
• No matter how quick of an errand you are running, be sure to always securely tighten the straps of their car seat. Loose straps do not provide sufficient protection for the child.
• A major mistake many parents make is turning their child to forward-facing at too young of an age. There are rules and regulations restricting these transitions for a reason. Small babies cannot receive optimal protection in forward-facing car seats. Your child should not be turned forward until 2 years old.
• No matter how much your child begs, do not let them ride in the front seat until they are 13 years old. Your child will not receive sufficient protection in the seat meant for adults.
• Most importantly, do not put any unsecure items near your child. Large items can cause serious damage to your young child if they are not secure.

We can help ensure that you and your child will be safe in your car. Contact Martplan Insurance in La Habra for all of your California auto insurance needs. We have been your Smartplan since 1986 and continue working off the values that have brought us years of success.