Car Seats Save Lives

Car seats save lives – car accidents are a leading cause of injury and death in the U.S. Fortunately, many car crashes injuries can be prevented. Using a safety seat or booster seat correctly could save a child’s life. It’s the law in Alaska that while a vehicle is moving seatbelts must be worn and car seats be used correctly.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) state using proper car seats for infants lowers risk of death in a crash by 71 to 82 percent. Toddlers ages 4 though 8 are also safer in a booster seat, reducing the risk of fatal injury by around 45 percent. Car seats save lives.

Using Child Seats

Car seats save lives. The CDC found car seat use reduces the risk for injury to a child in a crash by 71–82 percent compared with seat belt use alone. However, one study found that in one year more than 618,000 children ages 0-12 rode in vehicles without the use of a safety or booster seat, or a seat belt, at least some of the time. Additionally, some parents were using the wrong kinds of car seats for their children.

The type of car seat you need for your child depends on your child’s height, age and weight. The seat belt needs to fit properly across your child’s shoulders and waist. If a child is too big to use a safety seat, it may be time to move to a booster seat. Booster seats should be tall enough that the lap belt fits securely across your child’s lap. Any cross belt should fall along your child’s shoulder.

Get Help Installing Your Child’s Car Seat

A common problem with using car seats is that not all parents and caregivers know how to use them appropriately. The best car seat is the one that fits the child, fits the vehicle and that you can use correctly every time. Certified technicians at the Center for Safe Alaskans can help you install your car seat correctly and answer your car seat questions. They offer free virtual, or in-person help for families.

Car seats save lives. Your child deserves protection, and a good car seat helps. If you’re a victim of a crash and your child suffers injuries, you have a right to seek compensation.

Johnson Law has been helping Alaskans for nearly 30 years. It’s who we are. And while we hope you never need us… We’re here if you do. ~ Doug Johnson

Please call Johnson Law to discuss your case: (907)277-3090 or use our online contact form.

Sources: Alaska Statutes; Center For Disease Control; Enrolled HB 308; Center for Safe Alaskans

Image Source: Center for Safe Alaskans