National Child Passenger Safety Week – 2012

The Texas Department of Transportation and its associates have devoted the week of September 16-22, 2012 as National Child Passenger Safety Week, which accompanies the “Save Me A Seat” campaign. Across the state, events will be held that offer advice and inspections on child safety seats, free of charge, in an effort to raise awareness and prevent child injury in motor vehicles.

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration estimated, “3 out of 4 child safety seats are not used correctly”. If a child is not properly restrained, a collision or sudden stop can be severely harmful. The child’s size and weight depend on which type of restraint is needed. Some safety seat guidelines specify which seat is needed according to age, but be especially mindful of the child’s weight to be entirely safe.

It is best for infants, 35 lbs and under, to be restrained in a rear facing safety seat, while children weighing 40 – 80 lbs should ride in a forward facing seat.

Typically, children outgrow their booster seats once they reach the height of 4’9” or the weigh at least 100 lbs.

If your child has exceeded the requirements for a booster seat, please be cautious that the adult safety belt fits them appropriately. The Texas Department of Public Safety insists, “Lap portion low over the hips/tops of thighs and shoulder belt crosses the center of the shoulder and center of the chest”.

After all, children should never ride in the front seat of a vehicle until they reach 13 years of age. Remember, properly restraining your child may reduce the risk of injury in automobiles.  For any questions regarding instructions you may contact the manufacturer or authorities in your area. Don’t forget that every vehicle in Texas is required to have insurance! Taking a Texas defensive driving course can dismiss a ticket and lower insurance rates!