Automobile Accidents Leading Killer for Young Children and Tweens

The National Highway Safety Transportation Administration (“NHTSA”) has a startling statistic for parents of children age three (3) to six (6) and eight (8) to fourteen (14).

Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for children age 3 to 6 and 8 to 14. In 2007, 6,532 passenger vehicle occupants 14 and younger were involved in fatal crashes. Parents and caregivers are urged to make sure their car seats and booster seats are properly installed in their vehicles to prevent injuries and deaths amongst their children.

Given I have two beautiful girls ages six (6) and ten (10) this statistic in particular hits home. So, what does the NHTSA say parents of children these ages should do?

For children four (4) to eight (8) the NHTSA states that

Once children outgrow their forward-facing seats (usually around age 4 and 40 pounds), they should ride in booster seats, in the back seat, until the vehicle seat belts fit properly. Seat belts fit properly when the lap belt lays across the upper thighs and the shoulder belt fits across the chest (usually at age 8 or when they are 4’9” tall).

For children in the eight (8) to fourteen (14) bracket

When children outgrow their booster seats, (usually at age 8 or when they are 4’9” tall) they can use the adult seat belt in the back seat, if it fits properly (lap belt lays across the upper thighs and the shoulder belt fits across the chest).

As a parent I fully recognize these safety tips may seem redundant. However, its important to keep our children safe and remind others of these requirements.

If you or someone you love has been injured in an Oklahoma car accident, please contact an Oklahoma personal injury lawyer of McIntyre Law by calling toll free 1-877-917-5250.