As parents, we want our children to be as safe as possible. However, we also may graduate them from booster seats before they are ready, putting them at risk for serious injuries. It is important to keep your children in properly sized car seats, even if they want to feel all grown up and sit with you in the front seat.
Thousands of children are injured each year in car accidents, often because they were not properly restrained in car seats. While it may be tempting to give in to your child’s begging and allow him or her to ride without a car seat, this is a dangerous idea. Our Chicago injury lawyers want you to be informed of the guidelines regarding car seats so you can help your son or daughter avoid injuries and stay safe.
Guidelines for Child Car Seat Safety
There are several guidelines regarding child car seat safety.
These are based on the suggestions by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP):
- Children under the age of 1 should be kept in a rear-facing car seat designed for infants
- Children ages 1-3 should be kept in a rear-facing car seat
- Children ages 4-7 should be kept in a forward-facing car seat with a 5-point harness
- Children ages 8-12 should be kept in a belt-positioning booster seat
- Children up to the age of 13 should be kept in the backseat
It is important to remember that these are just guidelines. You should read the height and weight recommendations of the particular car seat you are using, and avoid moving your child to the next level prematurely. As a rule, your child should be at least 4 feet, 9 inches tall before riding without a booster seat. The lap belt should rest snuggly on the top of his or her upper thighs, not on the stomach. By following the directions of the car seat manufacturers and keeping your son or daughter in a properly sized car seat, you can help avoid injuries.
Duncan Law Group Provides Diligent Representation to Injured Clients
If you or a loved one have been injured because of someone else’s negligence, Duncan Law Group is here to help. Our firm has guided hundreds of clients to beneficial outcomes. We will analyze your situation, discuss your options, and tenaciously uphold your right to a settlement. With tens of millions of dollars recovered for our clients, our compassionate Chicago car accident attorneys will work tirelessly on your behalf as you seek justice from those responsible.
Contact our firm today to schedule a free consultation.
