CHILD PASSENGERS Safety information

Injury to children during a vehicle crash can be reduced by:
Buckling up every trip.
Placing children under age 13 in the rear seat.
Using a restraint appropriate for the child's age, size and development.
Using restraints according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Using a car seat with a harness for as long as possible. Most fit children up to 40 pounds.
Signs that a child has outgrown a car seat:
Shoulders are above the top strap slots.
Ears are above the back of the seat.
The five -step test for booster seats. If the answer is "no" to any of these questions, the child needs a booster seat.
Does the child sit all the way back against the auto seat?
Does the child's knees bend comfortably at the edge of the auto seat?
Does the lap belt fit snugly across the child's thighs?
Is the shoulder harness centered on the child's shoulder and chest?
Can the child stay seated like this for the whole trip?
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's 4 Steps for Kids:
Rear-facing infant seats in the back seat from birth to at least 1 year of age and at least 20 pounds.
Forward-facing toddler seats in the back seat from age 1 to about age 4 and 20 to 40 pounds.
Booster seats in the back seat from about age 4 and 40 pounds to at least age 8, unless 4' 9" in height.
Safety belts at age 8 or older or taller than 4' 9". All children 12 and younger should ride in the back seat.
Sources: Coordinator for Region 4 Occupant Protection program; National Highway Traffic Safety Administration; Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center