in the community
In today's highly mobile society, children travel more than ever. Sadly, this mobility comes at a staggering price. In 2013, more than 1,149 children died and over 127,000 were injured in car crashes - enough to rank motor vehicle crashes as a leading cause of death for children in the U.S. Tragically, many of these deaths could have been prevented. Research shows that seat belts and safety seats - when properly used - are the most effective tools in preventing injuries and deaths in vehicle crashes.
AAA is here to help you better understand the four stages of car seat use. Research tells us that seat belts and child safety seats are the most effective safety devices in preventing serious injuries and deaths in vehicle crashes.
Who:
Children should ride rear-facing until age 2. They should continue to ride rear-facing until they reach the upper weight limit of their rear-facing convertible seat.
What:
Rear-facing child safety seat
Why:
The rear-facing position supports the child's entire head, neck and spine and helps reduce stress to the neck and spinal cord in a crash. Age is the most important factor due to developmental issues. However, both age and weight requirements should be met before the child is moved to a forward-facing seat.
Installation:
Did you know that 3 out of 4 car seats are installed incorrectly? Be sure to read your vehicle owner's manual and car seat instruction manual before you install your safety seat. Here are some tips to remember as you install your seat:
Who:
Children who have reached the upper weight or height limit of their rear-facing seat around 30-35 pounds; can begin to ride forward-facing.
Children should remain in a forward-facing seat with a harness until they have reached the upper weight or height limit of the seat which will be 40-65 lbs.
What:
Forward-facing child safety seat
Why:
These seats include an internal harness system that keeps your child properly restrained and snug straps that limit forward motion, providing greater "ride down." The forward-facing position provides for the even distribution of physical forces over the child's body in the event of a crash.
Be Sure:
Harness straps are kept at or above their shoulders when riding foward-facing, check the car seat instructions to determine the correct harness slot that should be used.
Installation:
Did you know that 3 out of 4 car seats are installed incorrectly? Be sure to read your vehicle owner's manual and car seat instruction manual before you install your safety seat. Here are some tips to remember as you install your seat:
Who:
Children can use a booster seat when they have outgrown the weight or height limit of their forward-facing harness, which will be between 40-65 lbs.
What:
Belt-positioning booster seat. Use until safety belt fits properly. See: Stage 4.
Why:
Seat belts are designed for 165-pound male adults, so it's no wonder that research shows poorly fitting adult belts can injure children.
Booster seats help ensure proper seat belt placement - resulting in a safer ride for your child. It is the appropriate next step after the child has outgrown a forward-facing child safety seat.
Be Sure:
ALWAYS use both lap and shoulder belt with a booster seat. Never a lap belt only.
Make sure the lap belt fits low and tight across the lap/upper thigh area - NOT the abdomen.
Shoulder belt should cross the chest and shoulder.
ALWAYS in the back seat!
Installation:
Did you know that 3 out of 4 car seats are installed incorrectly? Be sure to read your vehicle owner's manual and car seat instruction manual before you install your safety seat. Here are some tips to remember as you install your seat
When:
Safety belt fits properly Shoulder belt across collar bone & chest.
Lap belt fits across hips/thighs, not abdomen.
Knees bend naturally over edge of seat while sitting upright, with back flat against seat back.
Why:
Motor-vehicle crashes are the No. 1 killer of children - including teenagers!
Crashes killed more than 1,149 kids in 2013 alone, ranking far ahead of all other types of unintentional injuries and claiming more lives than any childhood disease.
Many of these deaths could have been prevented if only the children had been properly buckled up.
Children under 13 years of age should be properly restrained in the back seat. Teenagers should wear lap and shoulder belts in every seating position in a motor vehicle.
Be Sure:
ALWAYS require seat belt use for all passengers.
Make sure the lap belt fits low and tight across the lap/upper thigh area - NOT the abdomen.
Shoulder belt should cross the chest and shoulder.
The Back is Where It's At!
The back seat is safer for everyone - especially children under age 13. Properly restraining a child in the back seat can significantly reduce the risk of death or injury in a crash.
"Always Buckle Children in the back seat"