Automobile accidents are a serious concern for children across the country. Statistics indicate that car crashes are actually the leading cause of death for many young age groups, including children between 3 and 6 years old. To help counteract the problem of children losing their lives in car accidents, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) will organize the National Child Passenger Safety Week 2016 from September 18th to September 24th.
Throughout the week, NHTSA members will visit communities across the country to talk to parents about the importance of child safety seats and other equipment within cars. Not only do most children under the age of 13 need a booster seat or safety seat but they also need the right one. NHTSA members can instruct parents on how to find the properly-fitted seat to maximize their child’s protection. The main event of the week – National Seat Check Saturday – will be on the 24th, and during the event certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians will have in-depth instructional classes.
Some fast child safety seat facts:
- More than 3,000 young children lost their lives in car accidents between 2010 and 2014
- About 33% of those fatalities included children not in any sort of safety seat
- In 2014, more than 250 children under 5 were saved due to car seats
- Around 60% of safety seats are not installed correctly
The bottom line is that child safety seats, when used correctly, save lives every day. If you have a child under 13, always seat them in the back of the vehicle and ensure they are using an appropriately sized seat or seat buckle. Every state also has laws regarding child safety seats. If you see a child sitting in a moving vehicle without proper restraints, please contact the authorities, as you could save that child’s life.
For more information about the National Child Passenger Safety Week 2016, you should visit safercar.gov/parents. For legal help after your child has been hurt in an accident, perhaps due to a negligent driver or a poorly-constructed safety seat, contact The Gilbert Law Group® and our personal injury attorneys today.
