Child Passenger Safety

Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death among children in the United States. According to the CDC, in 2016, 723 children ages 12 years and younger died in motor vehicle traffic crashes, and more than 128,000 were injured. But parents and caregivers can make a lifesaving difference.

Whenever you’re on the road, make sure children are buckled in age- and size-appropriate car seats, booster seats, or seat belts. Children under age 13 should ride properly buckled in the back seat on every trip. Never place a rear-facing car seat in the front seat or in front of an airbag. Airbags can kill young children riding in the front seat.

Data shows that:

• In 2016, restraint use saved the lives of 328 children ages 4 years and younger.
• Car seat use reduces the risk for injury in a crashes by 71–82 percent for children when compared with seat belt use alone.
• Booster seat use reduces the risk for serious injury by 45 percent for children ages 4 to 8 years when compared with seat belt use alone.

Make sure you check your kids are safe in the car. You never know what could happen, so set them up for success and ensure they are safe.