Guidelines for Child Safety Seats,
New Booster Law and Safe
Installation of
Seats
Child Passenger Safety
Motor vehicle crashes
are the leading cause of
unintentional
injury-related death
among children ages 14
and under. Children are
particularly at risk
from death and injury as
occupants in motor
vehicles.
Vehicle seat belts are
designed for the comfort
and protection of an
adult-sized body. Child
safety seats, when used
and installed correctly,
can prevent injury and
save lives.
Unrestrained or
improperly restrained
children are more likely
to be injured, to suffer
more severe injuries,
and to die in motor
vehicle crashes than
children who are
restrained.
Misuse of child safety
seats is widespread. It
is estimated that nearly
85 percent of children
who are placed in car
seats are improperly
restrained.
Prevention
Follow these simple
safety tips from the
SAFE KIDS Coalition of
Southeastern
Pennsylvania for safer
travel:
Children ages 12 and
under should ride in the
back seat.
Infants should ride
rearfacing until at
least 20 pounds
and 1 year of age
but remain rearfacing
for as long as possible.
Several child safety
seats are available that
will accomodate children
over 20 pounds in the
rearfacing position.
Children from 20 - 40
pounds should ride in a
forward-facing child
safety seat.
Children from 40 to 80
pounds and under 4' 9"
in height should ride in
a booster seat (usually
around ages 4-8).
Never place a rearfacing
child safety seat in
front of a passenger air
bag.
Read the child safety
seat manufacturer's
instructions and the
motor vehicle owner's
manual for directions on
proper installation of
the child safety seat.
Call the National
Highway Traffic Safety
Administration's Auto
Safety Hotline, (888)
DASH-2-DOT, to inquire
about recalls or safety
notices on your child
safety seat
