“Hispanics and African American children are 10 times less likely to be properly restrained in a vehicle.” (Source: American Journal of Preventative Medicine.)
When I read that statistic, my first thought was… not another statistic telling me that I am doing something wrong as an African American parent. But, then I did what I always do. I dug deeper to understand what organization is putting out this statistic, who were the people surveyed, and what is their motive for sharing this statistic. I don’t blindly dismiss or agree with statistics without first doing my homework. And what I found out made me change my actions (immediately) as they pertain to securing my children properly in our vehicles.
I became aware of this statistic via the information that is shared by the Buckle Up for Life program. This program was started by Toyota and the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center to educate families to help keep child passengers safe. And since starting in 2004, they’ve reached more than 17,000 people in 11 cities. Toyota has provided funding to give away 40,000 child car seats to families in need. So, what’s their motive? It’s to make a tangible difference. They want to make child passenger safety a priority, every day… for everyone… in all communities.
Another thing that came to my attention via their site, is that I really was not properly securing our 3 youngest kids in our cars. And via the tools and resources that they made available, I was able to make the proper changes and educate my entire family on child passenger safety. The other day I heard my 12 year old daughter tell her Grandma that she could no longer ride in the front seat with her. Because through the Buckle Up For Life program, we learned that kids 12 and under should not sit in the front seat. I was smiling ear to ear when I heard that she really grasped the concepts and that she was following them, even when I was not around.
Buckle Up For Life is now celebrating their 10 year anniversary. And to help them celebrate and spread the word about child passenger safety, we will be giving away 5 Evenflo Car Seats to our BMWK readers.
Prize Description:
5 lucky winners will win one Evenflo car seat each. The car seats will be matched to the child, so the winner will need to provide the child’s age and weight. Depending on the child’s age and weight, the winner will receive one of the following:
A Convertible car seat: this type of car seat can be used from birth up to 55 lbs and it can be installed rear and forward facing
A Booster seat: these type of seats are for older children who have outgrown their regular forward facing car seat but still haven’t reached the height of 4 feet, nine inches.
How to Enter:
Follow the instructions below. There is one mandatory step to enter. All others are optional and give you additional chances to win. Please be sure to read the terms and conditions as this giveaway is for US residents only.
Disclosure: This is a sponsored post brought to you by Toyota. I have partnered with them to spread the word about the Buckle Up for Life program. For more information on child passenger safety, visit https://buckleupforlife.org . All opinions and stories are my own.
A-Kay says
Kudos to all involved with educating others about keeping children safe!
Nicole says
Child safety is so important to me! Having my first child next month and this car seat would be perfect!
Joshua Kohl says
I always buckle my child in myself to make sure that they are secure! Better safe than sorry. And I was educated on proper buckling by my local police department.
Tierra says
Before driving off I always make sure both kids are buckled in their seats. I put my 22 month old in her seat and make sure the chest harness is in it’s right place and that the straps are tightened.
Tonya Williams says
Child safety is important to me. My husband and I took our infant car seat to the fire department to be installed and the additional base too. We would love to win this contest as we are in need if a convertible car seat and our son turns one next month!! God Bless!!!
Jennifer (robbins) A. says
We secure them in their car seats, and check the straps, and that everything is in the correct position.
Niambi says
Hello. I just had my daughter in February so I am a new parent. I watched the video and it was very helpful for me as we were confused at first as to how to properly secure the car seat. Since learning about this, I double check to make sure that my daughter is first strapped properly inside of the car seat and that the base and seat belt are secured. I would really love to win this! I need a convertible car seat for my baby. It would really be a blessing for me. My daughter is 5 months old 🙂
Jennifer Marohn says
I always make sure my daughter is in the car seat properly. That means, her straps pass the pinch test, chest clip at arm pit level, and her straps are at the right height.
Randi S says
I make sure they are not only in their carseats, but buckled properly (making sure the chest piece is correct, etc).
BARRY says
I USED A CHECKLIST WITH OUR FIRST CHILD TILL IT BECAME SO ROUTINE THAT THE LIST WASNT NEEDED. 5 KIDS LATER I TO THIS DAY STILL HAVE THAT LIST BURNED INTO MY HEAD
Samantha Jenkins says
I let my son climb in his seat and get comfortable and I buckle him in right then and there. Once he’s strapped in I shut his door and make my way to the driver’s seat.
Janet W. says
I first always make sure that the headrest and straps are hitting at the correct position. I buckle the harness as it should and make sure the clip is at armpit level.
Jessica Snow says
I would make sure the car seat is facing the proper way.
Thanks for the giveaway! =)
Vanessa Richard says
i always make sure harness is tight and chest clip is in right spot and that the buckle is sucure and out of reach
Brooke Thomas says
make sure they are buckled correctly!
sandra says
i ask if they’re buckled
christine j says
i always double check to make sure they are secure
Jennifer Rote says
I always make sure the seat is secure and properly installed then make sure he is buckled properly.
Kelly D says
I check their buckles and make sure everything is secure by standing back there and looking at the belts.
Brynn says
I always do a double check on everything, check car seats and buckles, and make sure we have everything we need so that we do not have to make a trip back home
Jan Hammersmith says
double check all buckles to make sure they are tightly secured.
Mary Happymommy says
I tug on their car seat belts to make sure they are tightened.
Emily says
I don’t have kids quite yet, but in the future I plan to double check that the harness is secure and the car seat is secure.
Sara Sharp says
I make sure the straps are snug, but not too tight, and make sure that they have no wiggle room to get out of it!
alice f says
Thank God for car seats, when I was a child, there was no such thing! When putting the children in the car, I always check and double check to make sure they are secure and facing rear. Really hope that I can win this giveaway!
Jessica Padilla says
I make sure he properly has his seat belt. Always check before we start to drive.
Emily Smith says
Check to make sure everything is adjusted to keep them secure.
Em Mahr says
I pull on the straps to ensure that they’re tightly buckled in.
Megan C says
I double check to make sure they are secured in. Sometimes you might think it you got it buckled but when there is chaos, or you are in a hurry, you may just not notice. Every so often you need to also adjust the straps to the proper level for their height! This is so important!
Natalie says
I make sure the seat belt is locked and they are securely fastened into the car seat.
Nicole Dz says
Before driving off, we ensure our kids are safely and securely buckled correctly in there car seat and/or booster seat. We always even double check every time.
Stephanie Easterling says
I make sure that all are buckled in and I check and make sure before I even start the car.
Dawn Ganey says
I read all safety instructions & follow them each time I use the car seat.
Angela Y says
I make sure they are buckled in and that their buckles are not too tight or loose.
Rachel Andrews says
I make sure the straps are not loose AND that the chest piece is in the right place.
meagan says
I always do the pitch test on the straps, and check the chestclip positioning. Even if my husband puts him in the carseat, I check it.
Jan Lee says
We make sure the kids are sitting in their carseats and double check the straps that go over the kids, and the straps that hold the seat.
jenn giannetto says
i always make sure the straps are tight enough without being too tight
deanna hanson says
I put my purse in the back seat
Jessica Beard says
I make sure the five point harness system is buckled properly and in the right position across the chest.
Katie Bellamy says
I always double check to make sure all buckles & straps are tight!!
gayle gildehaus says
We do not move the car until everyone is buckled.
alaine says
I have my car seat checked at the fire dept for correct installation:)
Jillian T says
We made sure the car seat was installed correctly. Before driving off, we double check that everything is secure, tight and not twisted.
Julianna Harris says
With 4 kids, I always double check them all and make sure their straps and everything are where they’re supposed to be.
Luna S says
I always check to make sure their seats are secured and they are buckled in.
courtney b says
i always check their car seats to make sure they didnt jump out of them! thanks so much! xoxo
Laura J says
I always make sure his straps are tight enough and that the seat does not wiggle!