Child Passenger Safety
- The number one cause of death and injury to children aged 0-15 in the United States is motor vehicle crashes.
- Less than 5% of parents and caregivers are properly using their child restraint system.
The previous two facts are alarming and surprising to parents. However, despite these grave statistics the good news is there are several ways to reduce your child’s risk of injury by making sure your child is using the appropriate restraint system and it is installed correctly. The following 4 Steps are basic guidelines in making sure your child is properly restrained.
The 4 Steps for Kids are:
- REAR-FACING INFANT SEATS in the back seat from birth to at least one year old and at least 20 pounds. However, “best practice” is to keep children rear facing for as long as possible. The average convertible car seat can remain rear facing up to 30 pounds.
- FORWARD-FACING TODDLER SEATS in the back seat from age one to about age four and between 20 to 40 pounds. However, “best practice” is to keep children in a five point harness system for as long as possible. There are many new car seats which can restrain children in a five point harness up to 65 pounds.
- BOOSTER SEATS in the back seat until the child is 6 years of age or weighs 60 pounds. However, “best practice” is to keep children in a booster seat to elevate them to appropriate position of the seat belt until the child is approximately 4’9” and weighs 80 pounds.
- SAFETY BELTS at age eight or older or taller than 4' 9". All children 12 and under should ride in the back seat.
- While most infants and toddlers ride in the right child safety seat, less than 10 percent of the children who should be in booster seats use one. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is stressing that children who have outgrown child safety seats be properly restrained in booster seats in the back seat until they are at least eight years old, unless they are 4' 9" tall and weigh 80 pounds.
If you are interested in scheduling an appointment to have your car seat checked, please contact 326-3052.
For more information about child passenger safety, go to www.nhtsa.dot.gov