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Re-activateWe'd like to say that this was just a test to see how sharp our readers are, but alas, it's not true. We completely overlooked the flaws in the stock photo we originally chose for our post on school drop-off and pick-up safety.
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"Speaking of safety, how about getting that child into a proper fitting child safety seat?" read one of several comments we received. Too true! The map from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gives a state-by-state rundown of the child-restraint laws in each state; many require some sort of safety seat up until the age of 8. (Read our advice on buying a car seat here.)
Then, of course, we looked more closely at the picture and saw what a bad illustration it was in oh, so many ways. That big old backpack next to little Johnny should be on the floor at the very least, and better still in the trunk, where it won't become a projectile in an accident.
And finally, we're a little worried about Dad; his headrest looks too low to support his head in a crash. Our auto-safety team says the top of the restraint should be at least as high as the top of your ear, but it's preferable to have it somewhat higher.
For lots more about preventing whiplash, safety issues, and a comparison of safety features in cars, log on to the cars section of ConsumerReports.org.
Well at least Dad's sweater is nice. Oops, on second glance ...
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