WASHINGTON, D. C. (Tuesday, September 25, 2018) ––Every 33 seconds, one child under the age of 13 is involved in a car crash, which is the leading cause of death and injury for children in that age group. Every day in America, too many children ride in car seats that have been installed incorrectly, or are riding in the wrong car seats for their ages and sizes. Two out of three car seats are misused. Even worse, some children ride while completely unbuckled, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

During National Child Passenger Safety Week, September 23-29, AAA Mid-Atlantic and the Mid-Atlantic Foundation for Safety and Education urge parents to review car seat laws, be sure children are in the proper seat or booster for their age and size, avoid common mistakes, and seek expert assistance with car seat installation.

“On average, two children under 13 were killed per day while riding in cars, SUVs, pickups, or vans, as was in the case in 2016, making car crashes the leading cause of death and injury of children of a certain age, that is to say, 13 and under,” said Leah Scully, Traffic Safety Educator, Mid-Atlantic Foundation for Safety and Education. “Using car seats that are age- and size-appropriate is the best way to keep your children safe. Car seats, booster seats, and seat belts can make all the difference.”

Parents and caregivers should also know the child passenger laws in the state they live in and, if traveling, any states that they may travel through, explain AAA Mid-Atlantic and the Mid-Atlantic Foundation for Safety and Education. In Washington, D.C., “DC law requires that any child up to 16 years of age must be in a properly installed child safety seat or restrained in a seat belt. Children under 8 years of age must be properly seated in an installed infant, convertible (toddler) or booster child seat,” according to the Metropolitan Police Department website. In a first time offense, an offender is given a choice of a $75 fine or a child restraint safety class ($25 fee).

According to the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration, “Maryland's current law requires that children under eight years old to ride in an appropriate child restraint, unless the child is 4'9" or taller. Every child from 8 to 16 years old who is not secured in a child restraint must be secured in the vehicle's seat belt, in every sitting position in the vehicle.” The fine in Maryland is $50.

In Virginia, children ages 8 until 18 must be secured in a child restraint, booster seat, or safety belt regardless of seating position. Children under age 8 must be secured in a child restraint or booster seat, as appropriate. Children under one year must be restrained in a rear-facing infant seat.

Beginning July 1, 2019, Virginia law will require children to remain rear-facing until “(i) the child reaches two years of age or (ii) the child reaches the minimum weight limit for a forward-facing child restraint device as prescribed by the manufacturer of the device.” The fine for a first violation in Virginia is $50.

Seven Common Car Seat Mistakes

Not using a safety seat. Whether an infant, toddler or booster seat-age child, parents should always use the appropriate child restraint system every time their child is in a vehicle.

Not reading safety seat instructions. With thousands of combinations of child safety seats and vehicle belt systems, it’s important for parents to read both the vehicle owner’s manual and the child safety seat instructions before installing a seat to ensure it’s done properly.

Using restraints for older children too soon. Parents frequently advance their children into the stage of safety restraints too soon. The American Association of Pediatrics (AAP) recently updated their car seat recommendations. According to the AAP, “In the updated policy statement, “Child Passenger Safety,” and an accompanying technical report, to be published in the November 2018 issue of Pediatrics (published online Aug. 30), the AAP recommends children remain in a rear-facing car safety seat as long as possible, until they reach the highest weight or height allowed by their seat.” All children under age 13 should be placed in the back seat.

Installing safety seats too loosely. When a child safety seat is properly installed, it should not move more than one inch in any direction. Parents should use either the vehicle’s seat belt or LATCH system to secure the safety seat—but not both, unless approved by the vehicle and car seat manufacturers. If using a seat belt, make sure it is locked to hold the seat snugly in place.

Adjusting seat harnesses incorrectly. Safety seat harnesses should always be snug and lie flat without twists. Harnesses should be at or below the child’s shoulders when rear-facing and at or above the shoulders when forward-facing in order to hold the child’s body upright and against the seat. The chest clip should be positioned at armpit level.

Gadgetry: If it didn’t come with the seat (or wasn’t purchased from the manufacturer to use with the seat), it wasn’t crash-tested with the seat. It therefore cannot be guaranteed to be safe and should not be used. This includes strap covers, mirrors and toys.

Not replacing seats after a crash or using one without knowing its history: Check your manual to see if the seat should be replaced even after a minor fender-bender and even if no child was in the seat at the time. Also, never buy a used car seat, and never accept a free used one unless you’re sure that it’s never been in a crash. Even if it looks OK, there may be damages that aren’t visible. It is safer to buy a cheap, new seat than a high-end used seat. All seats pass the same pass/fail crash tests.

Remember to register your car seat or booster seat with the seat manufacturer so you can be notified in the event of a recall. Parents and caregivers can view more information on car seat safety and locate a certified technician at nhtsa.gov/carseat.

Follow us on Twitter: @AAADCNews

Like us on Facebook: AAA Mid-Atlantic News

Washington, D.C. Mailing Address:
1405 G Street NW
Washington, DC 20005

AAA provides automotive, travel and insurance services to 57 million members nationwide and nearly 78,000 members in the District of Columbia.  AAA advocates for the safety and mobility of its members and has been committed to outstanding road service for more than 100 years.  The not-for-profit, fully tax-paying member organization works on behalf of motorists, who can now map a route, find local gas prices, discover discounts, book a hotel and track their roadside assistance service with the AAA Mobile app for iPhone, iPad and Android. For more information, visit  https://aaa.com