Vehicle accidents are the top cause of death to children in the United States. Every 33 seconds a child under the age of 13 is involved in a car crash. One of the reasons for passenger injuries and fatalities in a car crash is the failure to use seatbelts or car seats. September 17 through 23, 2017 is Child Passenger Safety Week. California Highway Patrol (CHP) is working with safety partners to make sure that children always use car seats while riding in motor vehicles.
Car Seat Safety
Safety seats are required for all children passengers in vehicles in California. As of January 1, 2017, California law was put in place requiring all children younger than the age of 2 to be secured in rear-facing child seats when they are in motor vehicles. Children under the age of 8 must ride in the rear seat and must be restrained in a safety seat sized for their age and weight. In fact, children age 12 and under should ride in the back seat of a vehicle.
CHP will work with agencies across the state to conduct safety inspections and provide education and training for parents and care providers. Saturday, September 23, 2017 is National Seat Check Saturday across the country. CHP Child Passenger Safety technicians will conduct safety inspections free of charge at various locations across the state. Those who miss this important date are able to make an appointment with a CHP office for an inspection any time during the year. The inspection is done to ensure that car seats are properly installed in vehicles.
Proper Car Seat Safety Saves Lives
CHP states that proper use and placement of child car seats can save lives. Adults are also required to use seatbelts and should always wear one to set a good example for their children. A new study produced by the American Academy of Pediatrics, AAP, shows that the use of rear-facing car seats has increased 91% since 2009, an indication that parents are becoming more aware of the
proper use of child safety seats.
Unfortunately, there are still too many people who install car seats incorrectly. Parents may have a false sense of security, thinking their child is safe. An improperly installed car seat could actually cause more severe injuries to a child if a crash occurs. It is estimated that as many as 59% of car seats are installed incorrectly.
CHP and other safety advocates are working hard to make sure that seats are placed in vehicles securely. Parents are encouraged to have their seats checked to make certain they are safe. When car seats are adequately placed and secured, they will decrease the risk of death by as much as 71% for infants and up to 54% for young children.
If you or your child were severely hurt in a vehicle accident you could be entitled to money for your damages. Contact the experienced legal team at the Law Office of Patrick G. Shea to learn how we can help seek damages in your case.
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