Choose And Use Your Child’s Car Seat Safely

Read the manufacturer’s instructions and follow them completely, every time you put your child in a car. Before securing a child in a car seat, ensure to install it correctly.

Use rear-facing car seats for infants and children weighing 20 pounds or less. The chest straps should not have slack and the chest clip should be at the child’s chest, not their stomach. Remove blankets and jackets before clipping a child into a car seat to eliminate space between the straps and child.

Children over 20 pounds and a year or more in age should use a five point harness. Compared to forward-facing, keeping a child rear-facing is safer for their head, neck, and spine. However, once a child exceeds the maximum weight for a baby seat, the seat doesn’t protect the child against an impact to the same degree.

Children over four years old, and less than 57 inches (4’9″) tall, and under 65 pounds should be properly secured in a booster seat. Ensure the seatbelt crosses the child’s lap and rests along their shoulder, not their neck, chest, or stomach. A child may use a seat belt once over four years of age and exceeding the requirements of booster seats.

Passenger Requirements

Children between 8 and 16 years old, who exceed the height and weight requirements of booster seats, may use a seat belt if the driver determines it’s appropriate. If a seat belt is not adequate for the particular child, they must be properly secured in a child safety device approved for a child of their size by the U.S. Department of Transportation.

If a passenger unbuckles their seat belt or car seat, the best thing for the driver to do is pull over and stop the vehicle. It’s the responsibility of the driver to ensure all occupants of their vehicle are using safety restraints correctly.

Keep kids safe while driving Alaska roads by appropriately using a car seat, booster seat, or seat belt. Child safety is always a first priority, Alaska.

Johnson Law has been helping injured Alaskans for 30 years. It’s who we are. And while we hope you never need us… We’re here if you do. ~ Doug Johnson

Sources: Alaska Statute 28.05.095 and Senate Bill 218

Image Source: Unsplash (Alexander Grey)

Getting Started At Home

Autumn vehicle care starts at home. Be sure your defroster and heaters are working well. Alaska’s winters are cold. If it takes a long time to warm up your car, you may want to make an appointment to have your heating system repaired.

Wiper blades wear down over time and may need replacing after so much use during the rainy summer Alaska had this year. Replace wiper blades that streak, smear, or squeak.

Check levels of wiper fluid, engine oil, transmission fluid, and coolant. Refill low fluids using the appropriate thickness and mixtures for cooler temperatures.

Finally, check under your hood for any signs of wear or damage. Check for frayed belts, brittle hoses, and cracks or leaks. Also, be sure the battery and electrical systems are in good working order as part of your autumn vehicle care.

Schedule Professional Maintenance

Sometimes autumn vehicle care is more complex than the average person’s skill levels. Schedule an appointment to have winter tires put on your vehicle as soon as possible. Consider local laws and weather forecasts prior to scheduling your tire change. Some places only allow studded tires during a specific time because of their potential to damage roadways. Minimally, be sure the air pressure in your tires is safe for colder weather and icy roads.

Always hire a professional for recommended 30/60/90 maintenance. Furthermore, make an appointment for potential problems such as dashboard warning lights, strange noises, and steering or brake issues. Additionally, complex issues like transmission, internal engine works, and electrical system malfunctions require specialized knowledge and tools that only a professional mechanic can provide. 

Car Maintenance For A Safer Alaska

Help keep yourself and others safe on the road this season by winterizing your vehicle as part of your autumn vehicle care . A few extra tasks could help save you from an accident, auto damage and a costly insurance claim. 

Johnson Law has been serving Alaskans for nearly 30 years. It’s who we are. Call Johnson Law at  (907)277-3090 or use our Contact Form to discuss your serious injury case. We are here to serve you.

And while we hope you never need us… We’re here if you do. ~ Doug Johnson

Source: Alaska Service Agency; and Drive Safely: Winterizing your vehicle: Where to start

Image Source: Sudsy Salmon Car Wash – Eagle River, Alaska

Plan Your Alaska Summer Road Trip Route

Alaska summer road trips are legendary for their beauty and access to top sights as well as off-the-beaten track destinations. Driving areas such as the famed Alaska Highway in a car or RV offers the opportunity to linger along the way. Especially since, some of the world’s wildest and most beautiful national and state parks are along this route. Cultural attractions, adventure tours, incredible scenery, and unforgettable experiences make this option popular with independent travelers. Safety on road trips is the key to great adventure. For this reason, take steps to ensure a safe and fun road trip.

Practice Driving

Be confident behind the wheel before you start your Alaska Summer Road Trip. Whether you own or rent, it is critical that you are familiar with the vehicle you are using. Practice with the vehicle. Get a feel for how the vehicle handles and drives before you start your trip. Be aware of Alaska’s road laws and regulations that apply along your route.

Insurance and Road Service

Make sure your insurance covers every aspect of your Alaska Summer Road Trip. Be sure to research road services that specialize in recreational vehicles. Only a few road service companies will tow the trailer, too. You don’t want to leave all of your possessions in a trailer on the side of the road. Before getting on the road, ask: “Am I covered?“

• Does your auto insurance cover your trailer? 
• Does your motorhome policy cover your towed vehicle?
• Do you need separate RV insurance or road service coverage?
• Will your insurance cover towing your motorhome, your truck, AND trailer, or will they leave your trailer behind?
• How far will they tow you?

Before the Alaska Summer Road Trip

Alaska Summer Road Trips, adventure and safety go hand-in-hand.

Complete a full safety check to ensure the vehicle is travel-ready before leaving for your Alaska Summer Road Trip and between each leg of the trip. First, make a specific checklist and review it thoroughly to be assured everything is in its place. Second, ensure no doors or awnings have been left unlatched. Third, retract any steps and stabilizing jacks. Finally, if you are towing a car, check the tow bar and secure the safety cables.

Look under the vehicle for fluid leaks and monitor coolant level, engine oil and transmission fluid. Likewise, make sure the parking brake, air brakes and tow brakes are working properly. Check tire inflation levels and tread, including the spare, before hitting the road. Balance weight throughout a recreational vehicle to lessen the possibility of tipping. Plan water and waste stops along the way to reduce the vehicle’s weight on the road. Blown tires, height clearance mistakes, and overloading are the leading causes of recreational vehicle accidents during Alaska Summer Road Trips.

Johnson Law has been helping Alaskans for nearly 30 years. It’s who we are. Call Johnson Law at  (907)277-3090 or use our Contact Form to discuss your Alaska accident injury case. We are here to serve you.

And while we hope you never need us… We’re here if you do. ~ Doug Johnson

Sources: Travel Alaska; Alaska DMV

Image Source: Alaska Collection