Did you know that around 43% of children that die from car accidents aren’t properly restrained? According to the Journal of Pediatrics, almost half of children are put at risk from their parent’s negligence! It is estimated that 95% of families install their newborn’s seat incorrectly, and 75% of families face their baby’s car seats the wrong way! These little mistakes can cost you tremendously. This blog will go over the importance of properly restraining your children in the car before driving.

The Importance of Properly Restraining Your Children in the Car

It cannot be stressed how important it is to properly retain your child in the car before you start driving. Restraining a child properly saves lives and is always worth the trouble. A report from the Journal of Pediatrics presented various factors that increase the likelihood of death of a child in a car accident in the US based on data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The report looked at 18,116 children under the age of 15 that were involved in fatal car crashes from 2010 – 2014. Of those 18,116 children, around 16% of them died in a car crash. 43% of those children who died were improperly restrained or not retained at all. These numbers can be significantly reduced if parents take the time to ensure that their kids are restrained correctly. 

Car Seat Laws in California That Help Prevent Car Accident Injuries

To ensure the safety of your children, it’s essential that you follow the car seat laws that are in place. For California, these laws include the following: 

• Children under the age of two must ride in a rear-facing car seat unless they weigh 40+ lbs or are over 40 inches tall.
• The child must be secured in a manner that complies with the weight and height limits of the car/booster seat. 
• Children under the age of 8 must be secured in a car/booster seat unless they’ve reached the height of 4’9”, where they will have to be secured with a security belt. 
• Kids of the age of 16 or more are now subject to California’s mandatory seat belt law. 

Booster Seats Help Prevent Injuries to Kids in Car Accidents

Did you know that safety belts are designed for adults weighing 165lbs? Certainly not for your small children! That’s why it’s essential that you use a booster seat when they outgrow their car seat. Booster seats help position the children higher while also positioning their seat belts lower. So when exactly should you transition your child to a booster seat? There is no set law as to when to do so. But, it is recommended that you wait as long as possible to do so. According to the California Highway Patrol, your kid is ready for a booster seat when they reach 40-66 Lbs. You should read your car seat manual for specific weight and height limits. 

San Diego Car Accident Child Injury Lawyer

In the United States, motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of pediatric injury or death. We hope this blog helped you see the importance of properly restraining your children in the car.  If your child got injured in a car accident, Bonnici Law Group can help! Give us a call at (619) 259-5199 or click here for a free consultation.