Every state has laws about child safety restraints to prevent auto accident injury and death. The National Safety Council actually recommends going beyond these requirements for the safest possible ride.
Review these safety tips to improve the security of your child during each car trip.
Choose the right car seat
Children must ride in an appropriate safety seat for their age, weight and height. The NSC reports that using a car safety seat reduces accident injury risk for children younger than 4 by up to 82 percent. Using a booster seat for children ages 4 to 8 reduces accident injury risk by about 45 percent.
Remain rear-facing
The NSC recommends that kids remain in a rear-facing seat as long as possible. This practice can dramatically reduce serious accident injury in children younger than three. Check the height and weight limits for rear-facing use of your child’s seat.
Seek professional installation
Proper installation allows the seat to effectively restrain your child if a crash occurs. Visit your local police or fire station to learn about car seat installation events where a professional will check your child’s seat for red flags. They will explain the positioning of the safety straps for the best protection.
Keep kids in the back
Even when older kids outgrow their safety seats, they should still ride in the rear until at least age 12. Airbag deployment can seriously injury smaller children or even be fatal.
The U.S. Department of Transportation reports that an auto accident involving a child younger than 13 occurs every 32 seconds. Make sure your child has effective protection in a collision.