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The Cold Truth: How Winter Jackets Render Car Seats Ineffective

child in car seat
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It's that time of year when the temperatures start to drop, and we bundle the kids in their puffy winter jackets when heading out the door. However, did you know bulky coats could put your child at risk if you don't take extra steps when strapping them into their car seat?

Puffy jackets and car seats don't mix because of the harness straps and how they secure your child in an accident. Car seat harnesses are designed to fit snugly against your child's body, with no more than one inch of space between their shoulders and the straps. This close fit helps ensure that in a crash, the harness straps can properly distribute crash forces across the strongest parts of your child's body while minimizing head and body movement.

The problem arises when you plop down a child wearing a thick winter coat into their car seat and secure those harness straps over it. All that padding from the puffy coat compresses upon impact, leaving loose space under the harness. This allows the child's body to move within the harness, increasing their risk of injury. Studies show that wearing a thick jacket turns a snugly fitted harness into a dangerously loose one.

To ensure your child's safety during winter travels, experts recommend removing the winter jacket before securing your child in their car seat. After properly buckling your child, you can cover them with a blanket or place their coat over them for added warmth. By prioritizing safety over immediate comfort, you can confidently navigate winter roads, knowing your child is secure in their car seat.

If you or a loved one are ever injured in a car accident, know that the Connecticut car accident lawyers at RisCassi & Davis have assisted people injured in accidents for over 65 years. And we have received meaningful state and national recognition for our work in this area. If you are ever in a car accident of any kind and would like a free consultation with one of our Connecticut car accident lawyers, please contact us. There is no obligation.
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