Child Passenger Safety Week, observed from September 17-23, is dedicated to raising awareness about the critical importance of child safety in vehicles. Motor vehicle accidents remain a leading cause of injury and death for children, but using the proper car seats and seat belts can significantly reduce these risks. Understanding the correct use of child safety seats and seat belts is essential for every parent and caregiver.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), using an appropriate child safety seat can reduce the risk of fatal injury by up to 71% for infants and 54% for toddlers. For older children and adults, seat belts reduce the risk of serious injury or death by about 50%. Below are four essential tips to help ensure the safety of child passengers.

1. Choose the Right Car Seat

Selecting the proper car seat for your child is crucial. For infants and toddlers, a rear-facing car seat should be used until the child reaches the maximum height or weight specified by the manufacturer. Once they outgrow the rear-facing seat, they should transition to a forward-facing car seat with a harness. As children grow, they should use a booster seat until they are tall enough—typically around 4 feet 9 inches—to use a seat belt properly. Following the manufacturer’s guidelines for your child’s size and weight ensures that the car seat offers the maximum protection in the event of a crash.

2. Ensure Proper Installation of the Car Seat

Installing the car seat correctly is just as important as selecting the right one. Following both the car seat manual and the vehicle’s owner’s manual is essential for proper installation. The car seat should not move more than one inch side-to-side or front-to-back when installed. For added protection, place the car seat in the back seat, ideally in the middle, which is generally the safest position in the vehicle. Improperly installed car seats can fail to protect children in an accident, making installation a vital step in child safety.

3. Emphasize Seat Belt Safety

Seat belt safety is critical, not just for adults but for children as well. Parents and caregivers should teach children the importance of wearing their seat belts every time they are in the car and set a good example by buckling up themselves. Proper seat belt fit is also crucial: the lap belt should lie across the upper thighs, not the stomach, and the shoulder belt should cross the chest, not the neck. Ensuring a proper fit significantly reduces the risk of injury in the event of a collision.

4. Regularly Check Car Seats

Many parents may not realize that car seats should be inspected regularly to ensure they are still installed correctly. Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians offer free car seat inspections to ensure everything is in place. Regular inspections are especially important after installing a new car seat or moving a seat to a different vehicle. Checking the car seat regularly can help catch any issues before they compromise a child’s safety.

Prioritizing Child Passenger Safety

Child Passenger Safety Week serves as an important reminder of the steps parents and caregivers can take to protect children in vehicles. Using the correct car seat, installing it properly, emphasizing the importance of seat belt safety, and regularly inspecting car seats are all essential to reducing the risk of injury in the event of a motor vehicle accident.

By taking these steps, families can ensure that their children are well-protected while on the road, helping to prevent avoidable injuries and fatalities.