National Child Passenger Safety Week

National Child Passenger Safety Week

Each fall, the U.S. Department of Transportation and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) promote Child Passenger Safety Week and National Seat Check Saturday. Child Passenger Safety Week runs from September 15th – 21st and National Seat Check Saturday will be held on September 29th. This important campaign aims to spread the important message of ensuring that children are properly restrained while traveling in vehicles.
 

5 Important Tips for Keeping Children Safe in Cars

According to the NHTSA, motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for children between ages one and thirteen. Sadly, many of these deaths could have been prevented through the proper use of car seats, booster seats, and seat belts. In honor of Child Passenger Safety Week and Child Safety Month, the following are five important tips to follow:

1. There are three main types of car seats: rear-facing seats, forward-facing seats, and booster seats. Rear-facing seats include infant car seats, convertible car seats, and all-in-one car seats. It is important to know which seat is appropriate for your child.
2. The right car seat for your child depends on his or her age and size. For example, newborns should always be in a rear-facing car seat. Each seat has specific instructions that show the height and weight limits.
3. Proper car seat installation is crucial to child passenger safety. The seat’s instructions will explain how to install the device using the seat belt or lower anchors and a tether.
4. It is important to keep children in car seats for as long as possible. As long as your child fits within the manufacturer’s height and weight requirements for the seat, continue using it.
5. Children are safer when seated in the back seat. As a result, they should ride in the back seat at least through age 12.

 
Avoiding preventable losses of life through the proper use of child safety seats is an important message to spread to your friends and loved ones. Kaufman Injury Law proudly represents car accident victims. For questions about a potential case, contact us today.