- Car accidents are the No. 1 cause of children's deaths in the United States. In 2005, half of all children killed in car accidents weren't properly protected in an infant, child or booster seat. Even if you use a safety restraint, it may not be installed properly. To make sure your safety restraint works, visit a Child Safety Seat Inspection Station (see Resources for more information).
- Child restraint laws vary from state to state (see Resources for a list of laws by state) but most require you to install a seat for your child, depending on her age and weight. They may also require your child to sit in the back seat. This is because the front seat is dangerous for children, as passenger side airbags--which can be lifesavers for adults--can severely hurt children or even cause death. Some states allow children to ride in the front seat if the passenger-side airbag is turned off, which is an option in some vehicles.
- If you are found driving a car with an improperly restrained child, you'll usually receive a fine on your first offense. Depending on the state, demerit points may be added to your license as well. After you get a certain amount of demerit points, your license will be suspended. Your insurance fees may also rise if you get demerit points for violating child restraint laws. Additional offenses lead to increased fines, and there may be a short jail term. Check with your state DMV for information about penalties.
- Infant car seats are placed rearward. A child car seat is generally used for children over 1 year old and can be placed facing the back or front of the car, although a backward-facing seat is safer. Booster seats are for children large enough to use a regular seat belt but who need a boost upward so that the belt fits correctly. You can often purchase seats that convert between types.
- Some states allow exemptions to child restraint laws, as in cases where the child is being transported because of a medical emergency, if you are taking care of a child's personal needs during a car ride, or if a physician has given an exemption for medical reasons. Other states allow children to travel unrestrained if all seat belts in the car are in use--these exemptions usually apply to older children, not toddlers or infants. If your children want to ride in the back of your pickup, think twice, as laws on riding in the cargo vary by state.
