Keeping Children Safe In Vehicles

Safety should always be a primary concern, especially when it comes to operating and occupying a motor vehicle. Properly wearing a seat belt is not only a good idea in the case of a car accident, but in many states, it’s enforced by law. New York law has enforced the wearing of seat belts for the past few decades, longer than many other states. The law requires all drivers and passengers in the front seat ages 16 and older to wear a seat belt. Violating this law can lead to a monetary fine.

While most are aware of the benefits of properly wearing a seat belt, others are often unsure of exactly how to keep a young child safe in a motor vehicle. Those concerned with safely transporting children may find conflicting advice, often anecdotal.

Keeping children safe in vehicles is extremely important as they are not as resilient as adults in the case of a car accident.

The proper safety procedures depend on the age and size of the child.

• Children under two years old – These children should be seated in a rear-facing designed car seat and be seated only in the back seat of the vehicle. Children seated in the front seat of the vehicle are more likely to suffer more severe injuries in the event of a car crash. These car seats are designed to reduce the risk of spinal cord injury by spreading the force of frontal crashes over the whole area of the back of the car seat, reducing the overall stress on any one part of the child’s body. As frontal crashes are more common and more dangerous than rear crashes, these seats are ideal for keeping young children safe.
• Children over two years old, or over about 35 pounds – Once children outgrow a rear-facing car seat, it is time to move them to a forward-facing safety seat with a harness. Children should still be seated in the back seat to reduce the risk of damage from frontal car crashes. These devices typically have weight or height limits. It is important to be aware of these limits and chose the appropriate design for each child.
• Children over about 65 pounds – Children who have outgrown forward-facing car safety seats should use a belt-positioning booster seat. During this time, the car’s safety belts often do not fit properly and do not offer adequate protection in the event of an accident. These booster seats position the seat belt to provide more protection for children of this age and size group.
• Children over about 8 to 12 years old or 4’ 9” tall – These children no longer require a booster seat and can properly benefit from the car’s safety belts. It is recommended that those in this demographic only use shoulder-and-lap seat belt and remain in the back seat to maximize their safety. Even at this age, front air bags may be more of a danger than a safety mechanism as they deploy with enough force to injure the child.

As of 2009, New York State’s Occupant Restraint Law called for stricter passenger restraint requirements. Currently, the law states that all children must be restrained in an appropriate safety system until the child’s eighth birthday. Additionally, children under the age of four must be seated in a federally-approved car safety seat when riding in a motor vehicle. This law also applies to mobile homes. Drivers who violate this law may be fined.

As expected, a key component to keeping a child safe while in a motor vehicle is to practice safe driving. It is easy to become distracted while driving, especially with a young child as a passenger, but it is very important to keep your full attention on the road.

Regardless of your driving skill, it is imperative to take the proper safety precautions. Car accidents may occur despite your driving abilities. Proper preparation and safety precautions can save the life of a child passenger.

If you or a loved one has been injured or a loved one has been killed in a car crash, contact a car accident lawyer.

These Hubs are provided for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Professional legal counsel should be sought for specific advice relevant to your circumstances.