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The Bancroft Detachment is reminding parents and caregivers of the critical importance of properly securing children in car seats, particularly during the colder months. Ontario’s child car seat laws, along with manufacturer recommendations, are designed to maximize safety for young passengers, ensuring they are properly protected in the event of a collision.
Ontario’s child car seat laws outline the appropriate stages for each age and size. Infant car seats should be used until the child weighs at least 9 kg (20 lbs.), with rear-facing seats providing superior head, neck, and spine protection. Once the child outgrows the rear-facing seat, a convertible or forward-facing car seat with a harness is required until the child weighs at least 18 kg (40 lbs.). Booster seats are necessary when the child weighs at least 18 kg (40 lbs.) and until they reach 8 years old, 36 kg (80 lbs.), or 145 cm (4 feet 9 inches) tall. Children can transition to a regular seat belt when they meet these criteria, but should continue to sit in the back seat until they are 13 years old for optimal safety due to the risk posed by front-seat airbags.
It is also important to remember airbag safety. A rear-facing car seat should never be placed in the front seat with an active airbag, as the force of deployment can be fatal. If a child must sit in the front seat in a forward-facing car seat, the airbag should be deactivated, or the seat should be moved as far back as possible, following both the car seat and vehicle manuals.
Parents should also be cautious about winter coats, which can interfere with the proper fit of a car seat harness. Bulky coats can create space between the child and the harness, increasing the risk of injury. It is recommended to dress children in thin layers under the harness and place the coat over the seat once the child is properly secured. Alternatively, heavier coats can be removed during the trip, using them as a blanket instead.
Following the manufacturer’s instructions for both the car seat and vehicle is crucial to ensure proper installation and safety. Proper installation can reduce the risk of injury by up to 71%, making it essential to ensure the car seat is correctly placed and the harness is appropriately adjusted.
Finally, drivers in Ontario are responsible for ensuring that children under 16 wear a seatbelt, and children under 8 are secured in the correct car seat or booster seat. Failure to comply with Ontario’s child car seat regulations can result in a fine of $240 and two demerit points. For more information on child car seat safety, parents can visit the Ontario Ministry of Transportation website at Ontario.ca/CarSeats or contact their local police detachment. Let’s work together to ensure the safety of every child on the road.
(Written by: Emma Butler)