Car Seats Save Lives
Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for children 2 to 14 years old. From 1975 through 2003, an estimated 7,020 lives were saved by the use of child restraints (child safety seats or booster seats) in the United States. In 2003 alone, an estimated 446 children under age 5 were saved as a result of child restraint use. – National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
60% of all children killed in traffic crashes were completely unrestrained, and over 85% of all child passenger restraint devises are misused. – Washington Traffic Safety Commission
Washington Laws Have Changed
Washington State Law now requires all children under 12 years of age to ride in the back seat where it is practical to do so. Also, children must be properly restrained in a car seat or booster seat until they are 4 feet 9 inches tall or until their 8th birthday, whichever comes first.
Like children, car seats come in all shapes and sizes. The "best" seat is one that fits your child, fits your car and is the one you will use AND use correctly every time your child travels. – Washington Safety Restraint Coalition
Some car seats are confusing to operate, difficult to adjust, or simply do not fit in all vehicles.
Be certain you’ve installed your child safety seat correctly by having it checked by a Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician. Please call Pacific County Fire District 1, 665-4451 to schedule a car seat check.
Click the links below for more information on Washington’s new Seat Belt and Child Passenger Restraint Laws, and answers to questions about buying a car seat for a child, recalls of car seats, motor vehicle accident statistics, or special situations.
http://www.wtsc.wa.gov/programs/childpass.php
http://depts.washington.edu/booster/
http://www.800bucklup.org/index.html
http://www.saferidenews.com
http://www.safekids.org/
