School’s back in session and, with it, an emphasis on car safety. Specifically, Child Passenger Safety Week kicked off on Monday, September 17th. During this safety week, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) works alongside the National Child Passenger Safety Board (NCPSB) to provide training and resources on how to transport children safely.

The NHTSA is also launching a series of public service announcements (PSAs) to encourage parents and others to follow the recommended guidelines regarding car seats, seat belt use and more. The goal is to reduce injuries and deaths suffered by children in car accidents.

Seat Belt Safety Highlighted

The NHTSA program includes a campaign highlighting a problem familiar to many parents: the reluctance of older kids to wear seat belts. Kids between the ages of 8 and 14 are old enough to buckle themselves in, but are sometimes reluctant or forgetful about the practice. Child Passenger Safety Week will include PSAs directed at parents, encouraging them to take the proper steps to ensure that their children wear seat belts at all times.

Car Crashes Lead the Way in Child Fatalities

Many wonder about why there is a full safety week dedicated to child safety in cars. The sad truth is car crashes are a leading cause of death among children 13 and younger. Many of these deaths are preventable. Common issues in these fatal accidents include:

• Children not wearing seat belts
• Children in car seats that are not appropriate for their height and/or weight
• Children in car seats that have been installed incorrectly
• Children not secured in car seats, but who are too small for seat belts to be effective

Knowing how to secure your children can mean their survival in the event of an accident.

The Correct Restraint System

In addition to advice on encouraging proper safety behavior in children, the NHTSA always gives practical advice on the correct way to secure children in the car. To learn more about the right way to keep your kids safe in your vehicle, review the information provided in How to Find the Right Car Seat, at safercar.gov.

Many local police and fire departments also provide car seat inspections. Some To find an inspector near you or to schedule your next child safety seat check, visit the Minnesota Office of Traffic Safety website. The OTS is a division of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety.

Did Your Child Suffer Injuries in an Auto Accident?

If you or your child has been injured in an auto accident, our attorneys can help you protect your rights. Contact our Minneapolis law firm today.