Child Passenger Safety Week – 9/17-23/2023 –
Car crashes are a leading cause of death for children. In 2020, 607 children under age 13 were killed in motor vehicle crashes, according to Injury Facts.
A child is involved in a crash while riding in a passenger vehicle, on average, every 25 seconds. In 2021, 710 children under the age of 13 were killed in traffic crashes while riding in passenger vehicles, more than 100,000 were injured, and more than a third (36%) who died were unrestrained.
Those sober statistics were released by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in conjunction with its announcement of Child Passenger Safety Week, which runs this year from September 17-23.
The annual initiative reinforces the fact that car crashes are a leading cause of death for children, but when installed correctly, car seats can reduce the risk of fatal injury in a crash by 71% for infants and by 54% for toddlers.
Properly securing children in car seats that meet federal motor vehicle safety standards goes a long way in keeping them safe. The National Safety Council believes child restraint systems should go beyond state requirements, because too often state laws are no match for the laws of physics.
“Most caregivers think they’re using their car seats correctly, but the reality is about half of them aren’t,” the federal agency noted in a statement.
Research has shown that the best way to keep children safe in vehicles is to correctly use the proper car seats (rear-facing car seats, forward-facing car seats, or booster seats) or seat belts based on a child’s age and size. “We routinely check things like our tire pressure, our engine oil, and our brake lights; why not check the equipment that keeps your most vulnerable passengers safe? ” the federal agency said, stressing that it is important to not wait for a crash to happen to find out if your child’s seat is installed correctly.
Important Child Safety Seat Reminders For Parents
- As children grow, so do their restraint types (rear- facing, forward-facing, booster seat, or seat belt). Always use the one that fits your child’s current age and size.
- Use the NHTSA Car Seat Finder located at www.nhtsa. gov/equipment/car-seats-and-booster-seats.
- Every car and every car seat or booster seat has different installation instructions, so make sure you read both the car seat instructions and the vehicle owner’s manual.
- Remember that children in rear-facing seats should never be placed in front of an active passenger air bag.
- Use either the lower anchors and tether, or the seat belt and tether when installing forward-facing seats.
- To get assistance with installation, find a certified child passenger safety technician (CPST) at a location near you using NHTSA’s Inspection Station locator.
For Escambia County >
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For Miami-Dade > - Remember to register your car seat or booster seat so you can be notified in the event of a safety recall.
- Plan for using car seats or booster seats when traveling and riding in taxis or ride-share vehicles.
- Find out when your child is ready to use an adult seat belt, reference the “Car Seat Recommendations for Children“. Be sure to read the information for Booster Seat and Seat Belt Use.
- Keep children in the back seat until at least age 13. It’s the safest place to ride.
— NHTSA’s Research and Program Development
What To Do If You Are In A Car Accident While Traveling In Florida
1. Call the police and file a report
2. Swap information (including any insurance info they may have)
3. Gather details
4. Take pictures
5. Gather contact information of any witnesses
6. Seek medical care immediately for any injuries – no matter how minor you think they might be.
GET MORE HELPFUL INFORMATION ON WHAT TO DO AFTER AN ACCIDENT HERE AT OUR “CAR WRECK CHECKLIST” >
Joe Zarzaur is a Board Certified Civil Trial Attorney whose firm is dedicated to promoting community safety since 2007. ZARZAUR LAW’S AREAS OF PRACTICE: Serious Personal Injury, Product Defect, Auto Accidents, Cycling Accidents, Motor Vehicle Accidents, Products Liability, Wrongful Death, Community Safety, Boat and Jet Ski Accidents, Slip and Fall Injuries, and more. Licensed in Alabama and Florida.
If your child has been injured as a result of a side-impact car accident, it’s important that you don’t make any rash decisions. Put yourself in the best possible position to receive the justice you deserve. It is also important to consult with a Board Certified Trial lawyer who has the knowledge and experience to help you. We know accidents can be stressful and want to make the process as easy as possible for you. Call Zarzaur Law, P.A. today at (855) Hire-Joe, or by requesting a free case review through our website.
Offices in Pensacola, Destin, Miami, and Tallahassee.
For more information on child car seat safety, click here. To get help installing, using and inspecting car seats, find out if a certified technician is available in your community by clicking the Car Seat Inspection Finder.
Sources:
https://injuryfacts.nsc.org/motor-vehicle/occupant-protection/child-restraint/
https://www.nhtsa.gov/campaign/right-seat
https://www.nhtsa.gov/equipment/car-seats-and-booster-seats#installation-help-inspection