Car
Seats
In 2006 the Texas Transportation
Institute conducted a survey of seat belt usage among
school aged children. They found that fewer than two
in ten are properly restrained. According to Safe Kids
USA, "in 2005 accidental injury claimed the lives
of 5,162 children ages 14 and under, and in 2006 there
were more than 6.2 million children’s emergency
room visits for accidental injuries in this age group."
A car seat should be used if
a child weighs less than 40 pounds. The table below
lists the different types and positions of car seats
depending on their weight and age.
|
INFANTS: Birth to 1 year/ at least 20-22 lbs. |
TODDLER: Older than 1 year/ 20-40 lbs. |
YOUNG CHILDREN : 4-8 years old/ over 40 lbs.,
unless 4'9" |
| TYPE
OF SEAT |
Infant only or rear-facing convertible |
Convertible/ forward-facing |
Belt positioning booster seat |
| SEAT
POSITION |
Rear-facing only |
Forward-facing |
Forward-facing |
| PROPER USE |
Harness straps at or below shoulder level.
Never place infants in the front passenger seat
of cars with air bags. |
Harness straps at or above shoulders. |
Must be used with both lap & shoulder
belt.
Make sure lap belt fits low & tight across
lap/upper thigh area & shoulder belt fits
snug crossing the chest and shoulder. |
(National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 2003)
Children will do what you do.
Be a good example: always wear your safety belt.
