Posted on June 25, 2009 in latest news
Car crashes are the leading cause of injuries and death among children in the U.S. In 2006, 184,000 children below 14 years of age were injured and 1,335 died as a result of car crashes. That means 504 injuries and 4 deaths every day.
But these deaths and injuries can be easily prevented if proper safety measures are taken.
Take a look at some statistics related to children and car crashes
- In 2006, lives of 425 children below 5 years were saved by use of child and booster seats.
- Use of child safety seats diminishes the risk of death by 54% for toddlers and by 71% for infants.
- Nearly 72% of child and booster seats are used in an improper way. This not only reduces the safety factor, but could result in more harm to the child.
- About 25% of deaths and 66% of injuries to children occurred with a drunken driver.
Steps to increase safety for children in cars
- Accommodate all children below 12 years of age in the back seat.
- Use rear facing seats for children aged below 1 year and weighing less than 20 pounds.
- Use forward facing seats for children between 1 and 4 years of age and weighing between 20 and 40 pounds.
- Always use booster seats for between 4 and 8 years of age, until the child reaches the height of 4’9”. The booster seats should have a combination of shoulder and lap belts.
- Follow instructions of the seat manufacturers and use the seats correctly.
- Choose the seat to fit the age and size of your child. If your child outgrows the old seat, replace it with a new one.
- After the child reaches the height of 4’9”, he/she can sit in the car seat. But make sure they always wear the seat belt.
- Always replace damaged seats and. Replace seats if your car was involved in a crash.
- Be an example for your children. Wear your seat belt and follow all traffic rules.
- Drive slower than you normally do when your child is in the car.
- Educate your spouse also about the importance of child safety measures.
Comments
Leave a Reply
