Car Seat Options for Children

Motor vehicle accidents are one of the leading causes of death among children ages one to 14. Every year, approximately 250,000 children are injured due to traffic accidents, according to the National Center for Statistics and Analysis (NCSA). Out of this estimate, about 2,000 die because of injuries.

Many drivers and supervising adults fail to fasten their children with much-needed equipment to ensure their safety while travelling. To prevent the possibility of a life-threatening injury or death of child passengers, it is important for drivers and supervising adults to select a safety car seat or any restraint system for them.

A car restraint system is based on the child’s age and size. When choosing one, it should fit inside the vehicle and must be used all the time. Adults must always refer to the instructions indicated on the chosen car seat or restraint; paying attention on how to install it and checking the height and weight limits. More importantly, adults must always keep the child in the back seat up until he or she is at least 12-years-old.

Here are some child safety seats that can be purchased depending on the child’s age and weight:

·         For infants under the age of one and weighing no more than 35 pounds, a rear-facing child safety seat must be used for them. It must be facing the rear of the vehicle and must be installed in the back seat of the vehicle.

·         For children ages one to three, a forward-facing safety seat or a high-back booster or harness must be used for them. It is also installed in the back seat of the vehicle as well.

·         For children ages four to eight, a booster or harness can be used for them. A booster is not required if the child is under eight but at least 4 feet, 9 inches tall.

Driving with a safety seat or any restraining system installed at the back of the vehicle can reduce the risk of an accident, especially for infants and young children. Injuries, however, may still manifest in case of an accident. If so, the driver involved in a mishap can retain the services of a Los Angeles injury attorney.