According to the Central for Disease Control and Prevention, motor vehicle injuries are the leading cause of death of children in the U.S. In 2017, 116,00 children were injured and 675 children who were 12 years old or younger died as a result of motor vehicle crashes. What is most alarming about these statistics is that of the number of children who died, 35% were not buckled in. Buckling children incorrectly can reduce their effectiveness and increase the chances of children being injured in accidents. The odds become even higher for children who ride with unbelted drivers. According to the CDC, 40% of children riding with unbelted drivers were also left unbuckled in their car seats. 
The Hart Law Firm Reducing Child Injuries In Texas Car Accidents

Ways to Increase Safety In Order To Reduce Child Injuries From A Texas Car Accident

Making sure children are in their age and size appropriate car seats significantly reduce the risk of serious and fatal injuries in accidents. The following are the appropriate safety features and their corresponding ages:
 
Rear-facing: Birth until age 2-4 years old in the back seat. 
Forward-facing: Age 5, after outgrowing the recommended weight and height limit for rear facing. 
Booster seat: For use after forward-facing and until the seat belt fits appropriately. 
Seat belt: For use once the belt lays across the upper thighs and the shoulder belt goes across the chest (not the neck). This usually happens when the child reaches 4 feet 9 inches tall, around 9-12 years old. 

Additional Safety Suggestions From The CDC

Always seat children in the back seat
Properly install car seats and booster seats
Don’t seat children in front of an airbag
Place the child in the middle of the back seat
Always use restraints on every trip

Have You Been Injured In A Texas Car Accident?

If you've been hurt in a Texas car accident you need to speak with an experienced car accident lawyer as soon as possible. Contact us online or call our Colleyville office directly at 817.485.8888 to schedule your free consultation.

David Hart
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Helping victims throughout Fort Worth, Arlington, North Richland, Grapevine, Bedford, Hurst and points between