In 2022, the news of a child dying in Virginia had people talking and thinking about properly restraining children in vehicles more than ever. These stories are heartbreaking, but it is important to help inform people about how events like this can be prevented from happening. And, there is no such thing as too many reminders when it comes to proper child passenger restraints at all times.
Properly Restraining Children in Vehicles Starts Before You Even Hit the Gas
Properly restraining a child starts before you even move your vehicle. Proper car seat or booster seat installation is so important – but experts estimate that up to 95% of families install a newborn’s car seat incorrectly. Learning how to do it right or getting your car seat installation checked may take some extra time and effort, but it is always worth it!
A report from the Journal of Pediatrics looked at the various factors that increase the “likelihood of death of a child in a car accident.” Using data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the report looked at 18,116 children under the age of 15 that were involved in fatal car crashes from 2010 – 2014. Of those 18,116 children, around 16% of them died in a car crash. 43% of those children who died were improperly restrained or not restrained at all.
Changing Car Accident Data in a Positive Way
Did you know that car crashes are the number one killer of children ages 1 to 12 in the United States? Here in Arizona, we’ve seen a 1% increase in fatal crashes in 2018 when compared to 2017. Knowing your state’s laws and guidelines and following best practices for expired or damaged car seats can also reduce the risk of injury or death. According to data found on the Tucson Medical Center’s website:
- 40 percent of children who should be in a child restraint are not in one.
- 80 percent of child restraints are installed incorrectly.
- Every 12 minutes, one person is killed in a motor vehicle crash.
- Properly used rear-facing car seats reduce the risk of death during a crash by 71 percent.
- Properly used forward-facing car seats reduce the risk of death during a crash by 54 percent.
Work With Your Trusted Auto Repair Shop
At our Tempe auto repair shop, we will maintain your vehicle or provide auto repairs to keep your vehicle safe and running properly. This leaves you more time to think about important things like your family and how to keep them safe in your vehicle.
Schedule an appointment today, ask us any vehicle related questions, and let’s make a pledge to do a better job of properly restraining children in vehicles at all times. Reducing the negative statistics about car accident deaths and injuries will take a collective effort and increased awareness, but together we can make it happen!
