Posted by Jared Faerber of The Faerber Law Firm.
An estimated 15 million U.S. children are still riding completely unbuckled, according to the National Safety Counsel. This is an incredible statistic given what we know about the importance of proper restraint for children.
Experts say infants should be in rear-facing car seats, but may be moved to a forward-facing seat after their first birthday. Those from four to eight should ride in booster seats, according to safety officials, and all youngsters under the age of 12 should be in the back seat, away from air bags.
A recent Pennsylvania study found that children who weigh less than 80 pounds and use conventional seat belts are nearly four times more likely to be seriously hurt in a crash than youngsters sitting in safety or booster seats.
Children who don’t fit the seat belt properly can hit their heads on their knees, jerk forward and damage their spines, or slide out of the belt altogether.
Safety experts recommend that children up to age 4 be restrained in child safety seats and those older be placed in booster seats until they are large enough to fit properly in a seat belt, usually by age 9.
A booster seat allows a child to sit higher and fit better in the shoulder belt.
Roads in Utah and elsewhere are dangerous places. We cannot control the driving patterns of others, so please do everything in your power to protect yourself and your loved ones.
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