Keeping your child safe during a car accident
Car accidents involving children are a major cause of children’s death in the U.S. As far as preventing child accident fatalities, child seat restraints are a significant child safety factor.
The National Safety Council (NSC) reported the following statistics for children and car seats in 2019. Car seats reduce the risk of fatal injury by:
- 71% for infants younger than 1 year old in passenger cars
- 54% for toddlers (ages 1-4) in passenger cars
- 58% for infants in light trucks
- 59% for toddlers in light trucks
Car seat factors to help you keep your child safe when riding in the car
The NSC recommends the following proper use of car seat restraints:
- Children younger than one year should ride in rear-facing car seats
- Use rear-facing car seats for children between the ages of 1-3 for as long as possible. Put them in forward-facing car seats when they outgrow the height or weigh limit for a rear facing seat. Forward-facing seats should have a harness and tether.
- For children between the ages of 4-7, keep them in forward-facing car seats until they reach the maximum height and weight limits per manufacturer instructions. Afterward, move them to a booster seat.
- Children between the ages of 8-12 should use booster seats until they grow big enough to fit into seat belts properly.
- Ensure all passengers in your car use seat belts properly. The lap-belt should fit low on the hips. Wear the shoulder belt across the chest. It should not rest on the neck. Never ride with a shoulder belt under an arm or behind the neck.
New York State law requires children under the age of 2 to ride in a rear-facing car seat. Children under the age of 4 must ride in child safety seats. Until children reach 8 years old, they must be secured by a child restraint system.
Do you have questions about a car accident involving children?
Our attorneys at Sackstein, Sackstein & Lee, LLP can answer your questions in a free consultation and determine whether grounds exist to sue. Call us at 516-248-2234 or 718-539-3100 or reach out to us through our contact form.
