The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) of the United States issued a consumer alert on September 22 (Monday), reminding parents and guardians to choose appropriate car seats for children to ensure their safety while traveling.
This week, from September 21 to 27, is “Child Passenger Safety Week,” and the U.S. Department of Transportation reminds everyone that the right seat can save lives and urges parents and guardians to ensure children use car seats suitable for their age and size.
Recent data indicates a decline in the use of car seats for infants up to 12 months old. In 2023, the usage rate of car seats for children under 12 months dropped to 95.9%, lower than the estimated 99.8% in 2021.
NHTSA Director Jonathan Morrison stated, “Children are our most precious passengers, and car safety seats are our best tools to protect them in accidents. We encourage all parents and caregivers to make sure their children sit in the right seat suitable for their age and size.” He added, “Many communities also offer free seat checks to ensure correct installation. Thoroughly checking the seat can save children’s lives.”
In 2023, an estimated 125,803 children aged 14 and under were injured in accidents, with 700 fatalities, making traffic accidents a leading cause of child deaths.
Properly installed car safety seats can reduce the risk of fatal injuries for infants by 71% and toddlers by 54% in the event of a crash. Unfortunately, nearly half of car safety seats are incorrectly installed, despite many parents and caregivers believing they know how to do it.
September 27 (Saturday) is National Seat Check Saturday, with many local communities organizing free car seat checks conducted by certified child passenger safety technicians. Many police departments, sheriff’s offices, fire departments, and children’s hospitals regularly schedule seat check events or provide appointments with certified technicians.
NHTSA offers the following suggestions to help parents and guardians find the right safety seat, ensure correct installation, and guarantee children’s safety while traveling:
– Understand the four types of car safety seats and choose the right one based on the child’s age and size. You can compare different models on the NHTSA website and check usability ratings.
– Before installation, familiarize yourself with the vehicle and car seat components and carefully follow the installation instructions. Visit the nearest car seat inspection station to ensure proper installation and prevent unexpected movement in the event of a vehicle collision.
– Register car safety seats and boosters to receive safety recall notifications.
– When traveling, taking a taxi, or using public transportation, always use the appropriate car safety seat or booster. Avoid premature seat changes; wait until the child is truly big enough to make the switch.
– NHTSA recommends not to change car safety seats or boosters easily before the child outgrows the current one. Refer to “The Right Seat” webpage for NHTSA’s recommendations.
Remember, older children also need appropriate seating. Many 8 to 12-year-olds still require boosters, and for all children under 13, the safest place is the back seat.
Make sure children are always buckled up when traveling, and remember adults should lead by example and wear seat belts every time they travel.
Never leave a child alone in a vehicle, even for a minute. If you see a child left unattended in a car, take immediate action and call 911.
If you suspect a car safety seat has a defect or does not meet federal regulations, report safety issues to NHTSA.
For more information, visit NHTSA’s Child Safety webpage.