Are Your Children As Safe As They Can Be When You Set Off On Georgia’s Roadways?
According to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 638 children under the age of 12 died in automobile crashes in 2013 while over 127,000 were injured. Car seat use reduces the risk of death for infants by 71 percent and toddlers by 54 percent, while booster seats similarly reduce the risk of injury for children between the ages of 4 to 8 by 45 percent. Using the appropriate child safety seat or booster seat can save your child's life in the event you are involved in a car accident.
The car accident attorneys at Montlick and Associates, Attorneys at Law, want to assist parents across the state in keeping their children safe. Review the following car seat safety requirements set forth by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA):
Rear Facing Child Safety Seats
Rear facing child seats should be used from birth until your child attains the age of two or older, or until your child exceeds the seat's height and weight limit. Check your specific car seat to determine the seat's limits, as they can vary. Some rear-facing car seats can accommodate children up to 40 pounds. Always place your rear facing infant seat in the back seat because a passenger seat air bag can have deadly results.
Forward Facing Child Safety Seats
Forward facing child safety seats will come equipped with a five point harness and should be used after your child has outgrown his or her rear facing seat. Your child can remain in the forward facing seat until he or she reaches the seat's weight and height limits. Moreover, many children can remain in forward facing seats for some time, as they may accommodate children up to 65 pounds.
Booster Seats
Booster seats should be used once your child has outgrown his or her forward facing car seat. To be ready for a booster seat, the shoulder belt must fit snugly against the child's legs and chest so that it will protect them to the fullest in the event of a crash. Children should remain in a booster seat until they are at least four feet nine inches tall, though many parents will continue to use the booster seat for longer. Parents are advised not to be in a rush to move from the forward facing car seat to a booster seat, as car seats offer more protection. The NHTSA recommends that you always keep your children in the back seat of the vehicle until they reach the age of twelve years old.
Montlick and Associates, Attorneys at Law: Protecting Georgia's Children For Over 39 Years
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, contact the Georgia Automobile Accident Attorneys at Montlick and Associates, Attorneys at Law. Our firm is dedicated to assisting those injured in all manner of traffic accidents across Georgia and in the Southeast. We bring over 39 years of experience to your car accident case and seek to provide you with the exceptional representation you need to obtain the best possible outcome. The sooner you act after your injury, the greater your chances of obtaining a full recovery. As such, it is important that you seek the assistance of a licensed lawyer as soon as possible. Call Montlick & Associates, Attorneys at Law, 24 hours a day/7 days a week for your Free Consultation at 1-800-LAW-NEED (1-800-529-6333). You can also visit us online at www.montlick.com and use our Free Case Evaluation Form or 24-hour Live Online Chat.
Source:
http://www.safercar.gov/parents/CarSeats/Right-Seat-Age-And-Size-Recommendations.htm