National Child Passenger Safety Week is this week. Make sure the ones you love are safe and secure in the car on every trip reminds Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna.
In 2012, more than 1,100 children ages 14 years and younger died in motor vehicle crashes, and more than 176,000 were injured. But parents and caregivers can make a lifesaving difference. Always make sure your child passengers are buckled in age- and size-appropriate car seats, booster seats, or seat belts. The safest place for children of any age to ride is properly buckled in the back seat.
Make sure children are properly buckled up in a car seat, booster seat, or seat belt, whichever is appropriate for their age, height, and weight.
Birth up to age 2 – Rear-facing car seat. Age 2 up to at least age 5 – Forward-facing car seat. Age 5 up until seat belts fit properly – Booster seat. Once children outgrow their forward-facing seat (by reaching the upper height or weight limit of their seat), they should be buckled in a belt positioning booster seat until seat belts fit properly.
Always check the seat’s owner’s manual and/or labels on the seat for weight and height limits!
Install and use car seats and booster seats according to the seat’s owner’s manual or get help installing them from a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician.
For more information visit: cdc.gov/features/passengersafety/index.html or contact your local fire dept.
Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna
