A recent study done by the Center for Disease Control shows that child deaths in motor vehicle accidents has decreased from 2002 to 2011. With this news comes the reminder that even more lives could be saved if parents ensure that their children are properly restrained, even more lives could be saved. In the deaths of children from motor vehicle accidents, approximately one third of the children were unrestrained.
Having children restrained, and in the proper restraint, is essential for their safety in the even of a motor vehicle accident. For children under 57 inches, they should be secured in a booster seat or other such device. Children under 2 years old should be restrained in a rear-facing seat, and in front facing seats until 5 years old. Children should use booster seats until the child is tall enough to have the lap belt lay across the thighs and the shoulder belt to lay across the shoulder and chest. It is important that the belts not be over the child’s stomach or neck/face. Until the age of thirteen, children should remain in the backseat of the vehicle.
By taking steps to ensure that your children are in the proper type of safety restraint, you can help decrease the likelihood of serious injury or death in the event of a motor vehicle accident.
