Seatbelts and car seats are non-optional for Alaskan drivers and passengers of vehicles. It’s required by law for everyone occupying a vehicle to be appropriately restrained while in motion. Always buckle up, and check that all passengers are buckled as well, before driving.
Seatbelts Save Lives
As technology has progressed, seatbelts are even more effective at saving lives. Be sure that you and all passengers are appropriately restrained in your vehicle before driving.
In Alaska, wearing a seatbelt is the law. Alaska law requires federally approved child restraint devices for passengers under 4 years old. Passengers aged from 4 to 16 must wear a seat belt or a child restraint device; whichever is age appropriate. Protect yourself by wearing a seatbelt and protect your loved ones by requiring them to wear a seatbelt in your vehicle. Appropriate restraints are not optional for adults or children.
Be aware that depending on height, weight, and medical status, seatbelts may need to be adjusted to appropriately protect a passenger. Do not move the shoulder belt to underneath the arm as this doesn’t correctly restrain an individual and could cause injury to the ribs. If you or your passenger are pregnant, remember to secure the lap belt portion across the legs and not along the belly to avoid potential injury to a growing baby if an accident should occur.
Car seats protect children
It’s so important to choose and use your child’s car seat safely. Review the safety manual and installation guide thoroughly before securing your child in their car seat. Be sure to fasten chest clips across their chest and not across their stomach. The design and purpose of the chest clip is to help hold your child in place in the event of an accident. An improperly positioned chest clip could cause injury in an accident.
During winter, it’s important to remember to remove thick outer layers before fastening children into car seats. Restraints won’t be as effective because of the additional space created by a winter coat. This space provides room for the child to move if an accident were to occur, which could cause serious injury and not provide the same level of protection.
The Merdes Law Firm has been helping injured Alaskans for more than 30 years. It’s who we are. And while we hope you never need us … We’re here if you do. ~ Ward Merdes
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