Do any of these statements sound familiar to you? "We're just going around the corner," "He's a big boy, he doesn't need a baby seat," "She won't stay in her car seat because she doesn't like it." These are all common reasons why parents do not put their child in car seats and booster seats. Unfortunately, children who are unrestrained or improperly restrained are more likely to suffer severe injury or die in a crash.
Who is at risk?
Motor vehicle crashes remain the leading cause of unintentional injury-related death to children 14 and under. In 2004, 1,638 child occupants ages 14 and under died in motor vehicle crashes, and in 2004 an estimated 214,000 were injured.
Each year, The Regional Pediatric Trauma and Emergency Center treats more than 500 children for motor vehicle-related injuries. Locally, 90 percent of all car seats checked at community check points were installed improperly.
Why are children injured so often?
A properly installed car seat can reduce your child's risk of death by up to 71 percent. Because 90% of car seats are installed improperly, children are often injured or killed in motor vehicle crashes. The most important thing parents can do is to make sure children are riding in an appropriate car seat or booster seat every time they ride in the car.
Related Documents
Child Health Information Sheet
Facts and Statistics-Safe Kids Worldwide Kohl's A Minute for Kids - Car Seat Safety Information
Prevention
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