Some Automobile accidents are the leading cause of death for children between the ages of one and nineteen, according to Safe Kids Worldwide, a global organization which is dedicated to preventing injuries to children. Sometimes, the problem is that the child was not buckled into a child safety seat while they were riding in the vehicle. In cases where the child was riding in a child safety seat, the injury or death was often caused by misuse of the child safety seat that the child was buckled into at the time of the accident.
It is estimated that in the United States, child safety seats are used incorrectly over seventy percent of the time. This includes failing to use restraints for child passengers, as riding without a restraint greatly increases the risk of automobile accident injuries and death for children. Even when parents do use safety seats and seat belts, there is plenty of room for error. From children being placed in the wrong type of restraint for their size and age, to incorrectly securing the restraint in the vehicle or the child in the restraint, there are, unfortunately, many ways to incorrectly use restraints and safety seats for children. Notwithstanding, if parents and caregivers educate themselves about how to properly choose and use child safety seats, they can make riding in the car a lot safer for the little ones in their lives.
Each state has its own laws regarding child safety seats. Mississippi has a primary booster seat law. The law requires all children under the age of seven to ride in a child restraint that is designed to hold children of their age and size. State laws like the one in Mississippi provide a good basic framework for keeping children safe in the car. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) is a great resource for parents and caregivers who want to learn more about choosing and using child safety seats. Some of the recommendations that are made by the AAP go above and beyond what most state laws require, such as suggesting that all children under two years of age ride in a rear facing car seat. The AAP website also offers answers to common questions about installing car seats, and tips for using them properly.
Barrett Law PLLC: Representing Those Who Have Been Injured In Mississippi Automobile Accidents
Child safety seats and booster seats can save lives, when they are used correctly. Parents can increase the chance that they and their children will arrive at their destination safely buckling themselves and their children into the appropriate restraints for every car trip. Unfortunately, even if they are using the correct child safety seat or booster seat, children can still get badly injured or even killed in an automobile accident. If your child was hurt or killed in a Mississippi car crash, the experienced and dedicated Mississippi Automobile Accident Attorneys at Barrett Law PLLC are here to help you. Please call us today, at 1 (800) 707-9577 to schedule your free, initial consultation.