Friday, March 21, 2014
by wseibel
Did you know that vehicle accidents are the leading cause of death among children in the United States, according to the CDC (Center for Disease Control)?
Many of these injuries could be prevented if we would just take the time to educate ourselves and others. Some of the statistics are really scary and preventable.
- Car seat use reduces the risk for death to infants (aged <1 year) by 71%; and to toddlers (aged 1–4 years) by 54% in passenger vehicles.
- Booster seat use reduces the risk for serious injury by 45% for children aged 4–8 years when compared with seat belt use alone.
- For older children and adults, seat belt use reduces the risk for death and serious injury by approximately half.
Go to http://www.cdc.gov/motorvehiclesafety/child_passenger_safety/cps-factsheet.html for more statistics.
Do you know the Michigan laws for child seats? Michigan law requires children under the age of 4 to be in an approved car seat in the back of the vehicle. Michigan law requires children to be in an approved car seat or approved booster seat until they are 8 years old or 4’9” tall.
Car Seat Basics
All babies and toddlers should ride in rear facing car seats.
All children 2 years and older should ride in a forward facing car seat.
All children whose weight and height is above forward facing limits should use a booster seat. High back boosters are recommended for vehicles without a head rest.
All Children 4’9” tall or 8-12 years old can use a seat belt alone.
Car seats are complicated and, if not properly installed, can be devastating. Every car seat is different and while you may think they are easy to install, you may be wrong.
According to Safe Kids Worldwide 73% of car seats are not used or installed correctly. Make sure to read car seat instructions and also vehicle manuals on how to install seat properly. Not all car seats fit all cars so make sure to try it for the perfect fit.
No one wants to lose a child or have a child get injured. Please take the time to buckle them in safely. Do not forget to get one of the best portable compressors, too. Safe travels to all!