How To Increase Child Safety To Reduce Texas Car Accident Injuries

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. 

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. 

• 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