Protecting Your Passengers Can Save On Insurance

It's almost a no-brainer for a parent to do everything possible to protect their children, but when it comes to automobile safety, the rules of the road can be quite confusing. Knowing them and making sure they're put into play each time a child rides in a car can save money on auto insurance in a round about way, but even more importantly; it can save lives.

The laws regulating child safety seats tend to differ from state to state, with older children generally getting the short end of the stick, but law enforcement and safety officials have their own set of recommendations. Applying them can lessen your chances of an injury, which also lessens the chances you'll have a claim on your liability insurance.

The best bet when driving is to ensure that each passenger, whether two days old or 50 years, gets buckled up correctly. In the case of children, the buckling up is where it gets tricky.

Newborns and children up to 20 pounds in weight generally must ride in a rear facing car seat. The best location in a car is the back seat, preferably the middle. These seats can be difficult to install, however. Despite the trickiness, it is imperative to make sure they are put in place correctly before the baby goes in.

If the instructions seem sketchy, enlist some help. Many local law enforcement agencies send officers and deputies to training schools specifically to learn how to install car seats. Call and ask if your area agency has anyone who can help. It's better to be safe than sorry - especially when you're talking about your little one.

For children 20 pounds and up to about 40 (weight limits will vary based on the seats), a forward facing seat is in order. Here and again, make sure the seat is properly installed. These seats come in a variety of styles and prices, but they all give your little one a front-row view.

Children who outgrow the forward facing seats are allowed (in some states) to sit in regular seat belts with no assistance. Many law enforcement officers will stress this is not smart. Get a booster seat for a child.

The general rule of thumb is use a booster for any child that's under 80 pounds or 4 feet 9 inches in height. The need will vary depending on the vehicle so common sense will need to apply.

Driving with little ones is a serious proposition. It's up to you as the driver to make sure they're safe. Doing so can not only save money on possible claims down the road, it can save lives. Don't skimp on the car seat safety. There's no room to cut corners here.