CHILD PASSENGER SAFETY
Cars are such an essential part of our daily lives, especially if you have children. It's easy to forget how dangerous they can be. You can significantly reduce the likelihood of your children being injured in a crash by properly securing them in child safety seats that are appropriate for their age and size.
Law Alert
Effective July 1, 2007: Child restraint devices are required for children through the age of seven (until 8th birthday). Learn more.
Surprising Facts About Kids and Car Safety
1. Most Crashes Happen Near Home. The car crashes you hear about on the evening news tend to be fatal high-speed crashes on busy highways. But most crashes involving kids actually occur on local, residential roads during a routine trip. That's why it's critical to take all the same precautions for a short drive that you would take for a long drive.
2. A Car Doesn't Have to Be Moving to Be Dangerous. Parked cars are also potentially deadly. Sadly, children left unattended in vehicles have been strangled by a window when they're leaning out and they (or someone else) inadvertently lean on a power switch. Others, playing alone in the car, somehow release the emergency brake or move the gear-shift lever, setting a car in motion. Still other children climb through fold-down rear seats into the trunk-then push the seat backs up and get trapped inside. Finally, too many children die each year when their parents leave in the in the car and they suffocate from overheating.
3. Kids Don't Need to Be Inside a Car to Be Hurt. Children are at risk when they put themselves in the path of a moving vehicle. No matter how many times you've warned your child to stay away from the street and to hold your hand in parking lots, you still should keep a close eye on them--even in places where you might assume they are safe, such as the driveway or the bus stop.
Source: Parents Magazine