Are Your Children’s Car Seats Keeping Them Safe?
February 26, 2018 | Category: Child Injuries, Personal Injury | ShareMotor vehicles can be dangerous places for children, and children spend a lot of time in and around them. Statistics show that every year, vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death in children who are 1 to 13 years old.
The District of Columbia and all 50 states have child safety seat laws. These laws require children to travel in approved restraints or booster seats, and some, according to the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety), permit or require older children to use adult safety belts. The age for this varies among the states.
The NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) recommends parents:
- Select a car seat based on your child’s age and size; choose a seat that fits in your vehicle, and use it every time.
- Always refer to your specific car seat manufacturer’s instructions (check height and weight limits), and read the vehicle owner’s manual on how to install the car seat using the seat belt or lower anchors and a tether, if available.
- To maximize safety, keep your child in the car seat for as long as possible, as long as the child fits within the manufacturer’s height and weight requirements.
- Keep your child in the back seat at least through age 12.
Safe Kids Southwest Florida, Galisano Children’s Hospital, says, “Did you know? One in every four car seats is installed incorrectly?” Safe Kids Southwest Florida hosts car seat safety inspections through Southwest Florida to help parents properly install and use their children’s car seats. For information about this educational opportunity call: 239.343.6199.
“If you or a loved one has been injured in a motor vehicle accident involving a child, contact the experienced personal injury attorneys at Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. to determine your rights. There are no costs or attorney fees unless we make a monetary recovery for you,” says Attorney Randall Spivey, Cape Coral Personal Injury Lawyer.
Cape Coral Personal Injury Lawyer, Randall L. Spivey is a Board Certified Trial Attorney – the highest recognition for competence bestowed by the Florida Bar and a distinction earned by just one (1%) percent of Florida attorneys. He has handled over 2,000 personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Florida. For a free and confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights, contact the Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., in Lee County at 239.337.7483 or toll free at 1.888.477.4839, or by email to Randall@SpiveyLaw.com. Visit SpiveyLaw.com for more information. You can contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.in Charlotte County at 941.764.7748 and in Collier County 239.793.7748.