Child Passenger Safety

 

Through the passage of laws and the activation of programs to increase public awareness, the government and private groups are waging an all-out crusade to improve child automobile passenger safety in the US. Disturbing statistics that show over 50% of traffic accident fatalities of people aged 0 to 20 were unrestrained passengers is not just another set of so-called inconvenient truths meant to be ignored. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration(NHTSA) predicts that the proper use of restraint systems like child safety seats, booster seats, child-proof locks, and seat belts could save up to 20,000 young lives a year.

Child Safety Seats

Beginning in 2002 child restraint equipment had to pass an inspection initiated by the NHTSA. The rating system was initiated to prompt manufacturers to improve the construction of their seats and improve the ease with which the owner could install and use the child seat, improve the fit of the seat in vehicles, and improve how the seat fits the child. By 2007, the NHTSA has rated over 95% of the safety seats now available to consumers. The rating program also educated consumers about some of the important factors they need to consider when purchasing a child safety seat. Using the letters "A", "B", or "C", the NHTSA rated models in several categories for ease of use. In some models, the NHTSA may have given the seat an "A" rating in one area, but a "C" rating in another. Over 100 models of seats and restraints from 21 makers have been rated since the NHTSA started this program, and has brought to light many important flaws in child safety devices that have since been remedied.

LATCH Child Restraint System

Seatbelts only provide a limited and sometimes dangerous means to secure a child seat or booster to the seat of an automobile. The LATCH Child Restraint System (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) is a system mandated by the Federal government which comes standard in vehicles made after 2002. LATCH systems have anchors usually attached to the sides of the back seats, where the tops and bottoms of the seats meet, and to a place above and behind the back seat (for front-facing child seats). Tighten tethers according to instructions, usually allowing no more than an inch of movement. Hardware to retrofit vehicles manufactured before 2002 is available. Use seat belts to attach Latch equipped seats in non-LATCH equipped vehicles.

Child Restraint Laws

All states now have child restraint laws in effect to enforce some of the most important habits parents and guardians need to practice for the safety of child passengers. While different states may word their regulations differently, they all work toward minimizing injuries and fatalities.
Rear-facing child seats must be used for all children up to the age of 1 year or 20 lbs weight
Front-facing child seats must be used until the age of 5 or 40 lbs weight.
Booster seats must be used until the age of 6, employing a lap and shoulder belt.
All children 6 years or over 60 lbs can use the regular passenger seat with safety belt.
All children 60 lbs or less must sit in the rear seat.
Child Seat Occupant Identification

There are many ways the individual can add to the safety of the young vehicle occupant, including supporting emergency crews who assist injured accident victims. When an auto accident occurs where the adults in the vehicle become unresponsive, emergency crews are at a disadvantage identifying the very young victim in the vehicle's car seat. The idea of a child seat occupant card promises to alleviate that information gap. Information about the young occupant in a child seat, including the child's name, address, name of guardian, and possible medical conditions, can be included on a card attached to the child seat. This is the concept behind the WHALE, "We Have A Little Emergency" Program which makes these cards available.

Regardless of what type of child safety equipment, features, or retrofits are installed in a vehicle, properly installing the device, and properly using the device can only be accomplished by following clearly stated directions. Always review the appropriate instructions with whomever operates the vehicle and is responsible for attaching the child seat or other device. If your child is old enough to understand, review with him the proper procedure to let himself out of the trunk of your car if it is equipped with an inside trunk release. Always employ door locks, and child-proof locks when on the road. So many parents suffer the needless injury or loss of a child for lack of employing these simple measures.