Make sure children are safe when riding in your car

There is no need to elaborate on the necessity of protecting Louisiana children from devastating car accidents. Traffic accidents are the major cause of severe and fatal injuries to children. Fortunately, countrywide car accident fatality numbers for children aged 13 or less have come down every year in the last 20 years, from 2,701 in 1988 to 1,062 in 2009.

But what can you do, and how can you make sure you are doing the right thing?

Rear-facing infant seats: Until they are at least one year old or weigh 20 pounds babies should be seated facing towards the rear. Carefully check the manufacturer’s manual to attach and place the seat at the right angle. Place the rear-facing seat on the front seat of your car only if you can switch off this seat’s airbag. It is always better to place the baby seat on the back seats.

Forward-facing seats: For toddlers who have outgrown their infant seats, the forward-facing seat becomes necessary. The same precautions need to be taken to make sure the seat is securely and tightly fastened to the car seat. The child will be buckled in straps that need to be held together by a retainer clip at armpit level.

Booster seats: If a child has become too big for his forward-facing seat, and has not yet reached the right size to use the adult safety belts, a booster seat will be the perfect solution. Placed and securely fastened on the car’s seat, the booster seat brings the child to the right height to use the car’s safety belts, without having the lap belt across the stomach or the shoulder belt across the neck.

Adult belts: For older children the use of adult belts will provide the best protection. Children should continue to be seated in the back as long as possible. If a child has to be seated in the front, make sure the seat is moved as far back as possible and that the child does not lean forward with his or her head close to the dashboard. With older children you will have to frequently verify that they haven’t unbuckled or put the belt behind their back or under their arm.

In Louisiana, the law says a child must be in a child restraint or booster seat if aged less than 6 or weighing less than 60 pounds. Children 6 to 12 years of age must be restrained by a lap belt, shoulder harness, or an age- and size-appropriate child safety or booster seat.
 
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If you have been the victim of a serious car or truck accident caused by someone else, contact immediately the attorneys of the Young Firm for a FREE consultation on your case at (504) 680-4100 (local) or (866) 660-7220 (toll free) or by sending us an e-mail.