Child safety seats help to reduce the number of children killed or injured in automobile crashes. If installed properly and used according to manufacturers' instructions, child safety seats play a vital role in keeping children safe.

Features

Child safety seats (also known as car seats) are designed to protect children when riding in a motor vehicle. They are used in the transportation of children in motor vehicles, including cars, trucks, vans, buses and SUVs.

Types

There are different types of child safety seats for different-aged children. For example, an infant must be secured in an infant seat. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, infant seats must face the rear until the child reaches the age of 1 and weighs at least 20 pounds. Toddlers can be secured into convertible car seats, school-aged children can use booster seats and older children (those between the ages of 8 and 12) can use the vehicle's standard shoulder/lap seat belt in the rear seat of the vehicle.

The Facts

Children not restrained in a child safety seat have a greater risk of being injured or killed in accidents. Car-Saftey.org reports that motor vehicle crashes are the No. 1 cause of death for children and adults between the ages of 1-34. On the other hand, the mortality rate for children involved in an accident drops by three-quarters if they were properly restrained in safety seats.

Prevention/Solution

It is common for child safety seats to be installed incorrectly, which is a danger for the children they were intended to protect. To prevent installing a child safety seat incorrectly, be sure to read thoroughly the instructions provided by the manufacturer. Also, if you unsure about the installation of the safety seat, many local law enforcement agencies will inspect your installation at no charge.

Warning

A safety seat should be purchased according to a child's size, age and weight. For a child to be protected when riding in a vehicle, the proper safety seat must be used. The American Academy of Pediatrics offers a comprehensive list of child safety seats listed by type, manufacturer, price and safety. If still unsure about what type of safety seat to use, speak with the child's pediatrician.

Source:

American Academy of Pediatrics

Car-Saftey.org

Resource:

Wikipedia: Child Saftey Seats

Pro Health Care: Car Seats Save Young Lives