Is your child properly restrained?

Children need to be safely restrained when riding in a vehicle. To make sure they are secured properly, there are a few tests parents can do.

Inch test

According to SafeKids Worldwide, the inch test looks at if the seat is tightly secured in the vehicle.

Once the seat is installed, tug the base to see how far it moves. If it moves more than an inch from side to side or front to back, then the belt or latch system needs to be tightened.

Pinch test

The pinch test is done when the child is in the seat.

Fasten the harness and tighten it once your child is seated in the seat and slide the chest clip to armpit level. Pinch the strap on your child's shoulder. If you can pinch it and have excess strap, it needs to be tightened.

Safety belt fit test

Once your child reaches 4 foot, 9 inches tall and 80 pounds, they may be ready to transition out of a booster.

According to Safety Belt Safe U.S.A., there is a five-step test that the child must pass before being able to ride in a vehicle without a booster seat.

• Does the child sit all the way back against the vehicle's seat?

• Do their knees bend comfortably at the edge of the seat?

• Does the belt cross the child's shoulder between the neck and arm?

• Is the lap belt as low as possible, touching the thighs?

• Can the child stay seated in this position for the whole trip?

If the answer to any of these questions is "no," then the child still needs a booster seat to ensure they are safe in the event of a crash.

For more information on car seat safety, call 1-800-carbelt, Pennsylvania State Police barracks, Care Net, Carbon County Safe Kids, or visit www.safercar.gov or www.safekids.org/safetytips.