Amid Child Passenger Safety Week US Department of Transportation Reveals Pertinent Child Protection Protocols

Children are the light of their parents’ lives. For many, they are their sole reason for being. Yet, even though parents and guardians may feel this way, so often they take risks with their child passenger’s safety. Of course, this is not something that people intend to do. Unfortunately, many parents do not know the proper safety protocols for child passengers.

In 2016, an average of two children under thirteen were killed per day while the passenger of a motor vehicle. That is a horrifying statistic that could be mitigated with the proper use of child safety equipment. Therefore, in honor of Child Passenger Safety Week, many communities are doing their best to spread vital safety information.

Child Passenger Safety Week
The initiative is primed by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA). This department wants to ensure that children are safe. Thus, they want the people who care for them to have the right information to keep children safe.

That is why communities across the US are setting up areas where technicians can help inform parents and guardians. These technicians are available to help choose the correct car seat for a child. They also help install seats and show parents how to use the seat correctly. Plus, these technicians have information about how to register a seat with the manufacturer and how to handle a recall.

The Importance of Using a Car Seat Correctly
The height, weight, and age of a child determine the proper car seat for that child. Car seats are shown to help cut the mortality rate in half, or better, in all vehicles. However, this promising rate of survival is only possible if the seat is installed correctly. Unfortunately, over half of child’s car seats are improperly installed.

General Safety Tips to Keep in Mind
Unfortunately, there is always a risk of an accident; whether you are driving across country or up the street. Therefore, it is important to always make sure the child is properly situated in their car seat. There is no exception, regardless of the length or distance of the ride. Accidents happen in seconds. Here are some general tips to help keep a child passenger safe:

• Always read the directions when installing a car seat. Even if you think you know what kind of car seat this is, do not rely on experience alone. The directions are there for a reason. Please use them to keep your child safe.
• Children under the age of thirteen should never ride in the front. Regardless of height, weight, size, or stature, it is always best for children to ride in the back seat.
• Ensure that the appropriate tethers are used for forward-facing seats. There is no alternative.

Child Passenger Safety Week is taking place from September 23rd until September 29th. For those who have children, or care for children, please take advantage of the opportunity. Get car seats and booster seats checked out. Ask any questions you have and always play it safe.

For more information about car seat installation, the best auto insurance, or auto insurance quotes online, visit Peninsula General Insurance.