Motor Vehicle Traffic Deaths, from Newborn to 14 years old- In 2005, more than 1,400 child occupants died in motor vehicle crashes and nearly half were unrestrained.
- More than 203,000 victims under 14 years of age were injured in motor vehicle crashes in 2005.
- From 1993 to 2002, there were 159 reported fatal injuries to children less than 12 years of age associated with airbag deployment. Of the total child fatalities 69.2 percent were unrestrained and 29.6 percent were improperly restrained.
Child safety seats and safety belts, when installed and used properly, can prevent injuries and save lives. Each year, an estimated 975 child occupants under 14 years old die as a result of a motor vehicle incident. Young children restrained in child safety seats have an 80 percent lower risk of fatal injury than those who are unrestrained.
If a parent has everything and the kitchen sink in the car, they may want to rethink their storage solutions because every loose item can become a harmful projectile in the event of an accident.
In a study observing the misuse of 3,442 child restraint systems (CRS) in six states, approximately
73 percent of child restraint systems showed at least one critical misuse; 84 percent of CRSs showed critical misuses; 41 percent of booster seat misuse; the most common form of misuses for all CRSs included loose vehicle seat belt attachment to the CRS and loose harness straps securing the child to the CRSs.
Safety Interventions
- Ensure that every occupant is properly restrained for every ride.
- Always follow manufacturer's instructions. Infants should ride in rear-facing child safety seats as long as possible (a minimum of 12 months old and 20 pounds).
- Correctly secure children that weigh between 20 and 40 pounds in a forward facing child safety seat. Always use the safety seat tether for optimal protection.
- Correctly secure children over 40 pounds in a booster seat or other appropriate child restraint until the adult lap and shoulder safety belts fit correctly (approximately 4'9" and 80-100 pounds, usually between 8 and 12 years).
- Return the product registration card provided for all new child safety seats to the manufacturer to ensure you will be notified of any recalls.
- Check www.recalls.gov to inquire about any recalls or safety notices on child safety seats. Avoid purchasing safety seats from yard sales, flea markets and second hand stores or when there is no known history of the seat.
Source: Safe Kids Worldwide (SKW). Car Seats, Booster Seats and Seat Belt Safety. Washington (DC): SKW, 2007
