"About 0 people on average die each day - and more than 250 are injured every hour. - because of drinking and driving, not wearing a seat belt, and many other factors associated with traffic accidents "
This is a quote from David Friedman, deputy administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety administration (NHTSA). While we know of traffic accidents are the leading cause of death and injury for adults, you may find it surprising to learn that motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death in children aged 1 to 19. Perhaps the most shocking statistic to me of children 8 years and under who died in vehicle accidents in 2012, 31 percent were unrestrained. (1)
appropriate safety seat using the seat belt is as important to safe driving as putting your mobile device. According to NHTSA: (2)
- In 2012, the use of safety belts in passenger vehicles saved about 12,174 lives
- The seat belts saved nearly 63,000 lives during the 5 -Year period 08 to 2012.
- in addition, 3,031 lives could have been saved in 2012 if all unrestrained passenger vehicle occupants five and older involved in fatal crashes had worn seatbelts.
Securing children in car seats and booster or seat belts that are appropriate for their age and size can significantly reduce the risk of serious and fatal injuries. Here are some car seat safety guidelines courtesy safekids.org:
- 1-3 years: Keep your child rear facing as long as possible
- 4 - 7 years. age: Keep your child in a car seat facing forward with a harness and tether until it reaches the upper limit size or weight allowed by the manufacturer of your car seat
- 8 and more :. Keep your child in a booster seat until he or she is big enough to fit in a seat belt. For a seat belt to correctly adjust the seat belt must lie perfectly across the thighs, not the stomach. The shoulder belt should lie comfortably on the shoulder and chest and not cross the neck or face. Remember, your child should still ride in the back seat because it is safer.
Do not make the mistake, "it will not happen to me or to me." Use the consistent safety seats and follow the guidelines when considering when a child should be moved from one type to another seat Some other things to keep in mind.
- be careful about using an old or secondary seat the seats must comply. the same safety standards expected of a new headquarters.
- do some research before buying a seat. Read reviews on the product.
- make sure that you install the seat correctly and take time to make sure everything is secure. many fire stations will check your seat for free to make sure it is properly installed. you can also check safercar.org for more information.
The world is in a hurry, but your destination can wait if it means saving a life. Babies and children are counting on you to make sure they are in the correct seat and buckled in safely. Do not let them down!
(1) Fact sheet on vehicle safety (2014). safekids.org. (Updated February 2015)
(2) Traffic Safety Facts. nhtsa.gov. November 2013.
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