Buckle Up When Driving
Did you know that you can cut your risk of dying in a car crash in half simply by buckling your seatbelt?
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, safety belts saved the lives of an estimated 15,632 people over
4 years of age in the
United States
in 2005. Additionally, motor vehicle-related injuries kill more children and young adults between the ages of 1 and 34 than any other
single cause in the
United States
, according to the
Centers for Disease Control.
For more information, visit the
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Web site.
Car Seats
Rear-Facing Seats
Until children reach age 1
and weigh at least 20 pounds, they should ride in a rear-facing car seat. Rear-facing car seats
should have more than one set of harness slots to give your baby room to grow. They should also have adjustable buckle positions and
overhead shields.
Forward-Facing Seats
Once children are over age 1
and weigh at least 20 pounds, they can ride in most forward-facing seats. However, some forward-facing
seats have minimum weight requirements over 20 pounds.
Booster Seats
When children outgrow forward-facing seats, they can switch to a booster seat. You know children are ready for a booster seat when
their:
- Shoulders are above the harness slots
- Ears have reached the top of the car seat
- Weight and height are over the maximum limit for the car seat
Booster seats raise children up so their seat belts fit properly. Harness straps are not included; children wear seat belts the same
way an adult does.
When children reach 8 to 9 years of age
and are about 4’9" in height, they are usually ready to use a seat belt like
an adult.
For more information, view the
American Academy of Pediatrics’ car seat guide.
