In child passenger safety, what is the purpose of securing a car seat properly?

The primary purpose of securing a car seat properly is to prevent it from moving during a crash. In the unfortunate event of a collision, a correctly installed car seat acts as a protective barrier for the child, reducing the risk of injury. The forces generated during a crash can be immense, and if a car seat is not secured tightly, it may shift, tipping the child out of the seat or reducing the efficacy of the harness system.

A proper installation ensures that the seat remains rigidly in place, working in conjunction with the vehicle’s safety features to provide optimal protection. This is vital because the aim of child passenger safety is to minimize potential injuries by ensuring that restraints function as intended during a crash scenario.

While the appearance of the car seat, its weight, or ease of installation may all be relevant considerations, they do not directly contribute to the primary safety goal of preventing movement during an accident.