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SALT LAKE CITY — Leaving a child in their winter coat for a drive may be convenient, but it's also risky.
The timely reminder for parents and caretakers recently resurfaced on social media. Experts chimed in to confirm the fact that seat belts and car seat restraints won't work properly if the person being strapped in — whether a child or adult — is wearing a bulky coat.
"In a crash, even when the harness is tightened, if a child has a coat on the fluff compresses and the straps are too loose for the child's body," a post on the Primary Children's Hospital blog reads. "When harness straps are loose, injury can result and, at worst, ejection from the vehicle can occur."
As part of its "Save My Life" series, the Today show recently aired footage of a child-sized crash test dummy wearing a puffy coat being put to the test. When placed in a simulator at an official test lab to replicate a 30-mph crash, the coat slipped off and the dummy was ejected from its car seat.
Without a winter coat, seat belts and harnesses can rest snugly against bodies. To keep kids warm, experts recommended draping the coat or a blanket over the top of the harness. Primary Children's Hospital also suggested parents dress their children in layers. The blog post states that sweatshirts and well-fitted fleece jackets can also serve as temporary alternatives to winter coats.
For those who have questions or concerns, Primary Children's Hospital child passenger safety technicians offer free car seat checks. Appointments can be made by calling 801-662-6583.
