Car seats diminish the risk of car-related deaths by 71%. Cynthia Cage, child car safety expert at the Children's Coalition for Northeast Louisiana says in order to ensure that the risk of death is diminished, children must be in a car seat that accomodates their height and weight regardless of age.
On selecting the right car seat and transitioning from car seats to booster seats
Car seats should be selected based on your child’s age, height, and weight. The rule of thumb is that a baby needs to ride in a rear-facing car seat as long as possible – at least until the age of two. Then, once they outgrow that seat they can be forward-facing. Children can transition to booster seats by the time they are the correct weight or either 12 years-old.
On the correct use of car seats and reducing injuries
The fact that road injuries are the leading cause of preventable deaths to children in the United States. The correctly used child safety seat reduces the risk of death by as much as 71%. If used properly, the car seat will absorb the impact in a vehicle collision. For older kids, the seat around the car seat will absorb the impact and keep them in place.
On resources available to ensure proper use of car seats
Come by the Children’s Coalition at 117 Hall Street to visit me. Or call (318) 323-8775 to make an appointment. Also, the week of September 23-29 is Child Passenger Safety Week. On the 29th, there is a seat check event going on at Hixson Ford in Monroe from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Time to Talk is produced with the Children's Coalition for Northeast Louisiana and BayouLife Magazine.
