Is your child properly secured in the car or booster seat?

by Steven M. Gursten

Car seat safety tips to protect your children in case of an auto accident

Here’s a terrible thought: Car accidents are the leading cause of death for children in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The good news is that parents can prevent many of these tragedies just by putting their children in the right car seat at the right age.

For National Youth Traffic Safety Month in May, our accident attorneys want to share some new safety tips and resources to help keep your child safe in the car.

Child car seat safety tips

Birth – 12 months: Children under age 1 should ride in a rear-facing car seat.

1 – 3 years: Children should be secured in a rear-facing car seat until they reach the top height or weight limit allowed by the car seat manufacturer.

4 – 7 years: Children should be secured in a forward-facing car seat with a harness until they reach the top height or weight limit allowed by the car seat manufacturer.

8 – 12 years: Children should be secured in a booster seat in the back seat until they are big enough to fit in a seat belt properly.

Follow your car seat manufacturer’s instructions: And your vehicle owner’s manual on how to install our child’s car seat or booster seat. Pay attention to the weight limit.

Get your car seat inspected: Make sure your car seat is approved and properly installed by visiting a car seat inspection station.

(Source, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Car Seat Recommendations for Children)