The importance of seat belts and car seats:
Seat belts and car seats save lives if they are used properly, and at all times. According to the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control (part of the Centers for Disease Control), in 1996, nearly 62 percent of motor vehicle occupants 0 to 14 years old who were killed in fatal automobile accidents were unrestrained. Most states including Maryland have laws requiring everyone to wear a seat belt or be restrained in a car seat when riding in a vehicle. Please check the laws in your state for seat belts and car seats specifications.
Car seats and seat belts MUST be used correctly to provide the best protection. The following are safety guidelines:
Infants (birth to 20 pounds and one year old) |
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The infant car seat should:
Always read and understand the car seat manufacturer's instructions and never prop a child up with blankets and/or pillow. Never place an infant in a rear-facing child safety seat in the front seat with an air bag. |
Toddlers (20 to 40 pounds and up to 4 years old) |
The car seat should:
Toddlers should ride in a forward facing car seat as long as they fit well -- that is, the child's ears should be below the top of the back of the seat and his/her shoulders below the seat strap slots. |
Children (40 to 60 pounds) |
| Check in your state as to when children can begin using safety beats, as the regulations differ from state to state. Children over 40 pounds and taller than 40 inches should use a booster seat with a lap and shoulder belt (the child's head should not be higher than the back of the car's seat), or sit on the seat and use a lap and shoulder belt if a proper fit can be maintained. |
The importance of shoulder belts:
A lap/shoulder belt offers more protection than a lap belt alone. The shoulder belt prevents forward motion of the person in a head-on crash and should lie across the shoulder but may touch the base of the neck. Never place the shoulder belt behind you or under your arm. If your car has only lap belts in the rear seat, you should consider installing lap/shoulder belts. Many cars with lap belts can be retrofitted with shoulder belts for a small cost. Check with your car's manufacturer.
Most experts believe that many injuries could be prevented if child safety seats and lap/shoulder belts are installed and used correctly. Remember to always buckle up when you are in the car, no matter how far you are traveling.
