BURLINGTON, Vt. -
In a Subaru on Monday three people lost their lives during an accident on Interstate 89.
State police say the two adults were not wearing seat belts.
The child in the back was in a car seat, but it wasn't properly restrained.
Vermont child safety expert Ann Weinstein says that's an all too common problem.
"Car seat misuse is an epidemic," said Weinstein.
Many of you reached out on our Facebook page and questioned why the car seat wasn't restrained properly.
Weinstein says 84% of Vermonters don't restrain their kids properly.
That she says leads to many deaths every year or the child suffers from life-long injuries.
"That severe injury can take the form of paralyzation. They could have their head come off of their spinal column," said Weinstein.
Weinstein says it's important to take time and set-up the car seat.
You want to make sure it doesn't move more than an inch.
When buckling a child in, you shouldn't be able to pinch the straps.
And make sure the seat is facing the right direction.
If the kid is less than two years old, face it backwards, otherwise, it should be facing the front.
Weinstein says you should tape a contact card on the seat in case you are involved in an accident and can't talk to emergency responders.
She says Monday's deadly accident should serve as a sad reminder of why it's important to make sure your child's seat is put in safely.
To learn more on car seat safety visit:
www.beseatsmart.org
