Prevention

What you can do right now to make your child safer in the car: 

• Seat all children ages 12 years old and younger in the back seat and be sure they are properly restrained every time they ride in a motor vehicle–even during those quick trips to the corner market (visit the web sites below for more detailed information about proper restraints including rear-facing seats, forward-facing seats, and booster seats).
• Read both the car seat instruction manual and your vehicle owner’s manual to make sure you are properly using the seat. Studies have found that approximately 80% of child safety seats are misused (NHTSA 1996; CDC 1998). 
• Send in your car seat registration card so that the manufacturer can contact you about any recalls. You can also call the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Auto Safety Hotline, (888) 327-4236, to find out about recalls. 
• Replace any car seat that has been involved in a motor vehicle crash. 
• Visit the following web sites for more detailed information about choosing and installing a car seat for your child:
  American Academy of Pediatrics
  National Highway Traffic Safety Administration 

Choosing a Child Safety Seat

When choosing a child safety seat, it is important to find one that is age-appropriate for your child and fits in your car. For tips on making this decision, visit the following web sites of NCIPC partners. 

• Child Passenger Safety, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration 
• Car Safety Seats: A Guide for Families 2003,  American Academy of Pediatrics 

Once you choose a child safety seat, you need to learn how to properly install it in your car. Be sure to read the manuals for your car and safety seat, and contact a trained technician in your community for hands-on assistance. The following web sites can help you locate resources in your community:

• CDC directory of state and local health departments 
• National SAFE KIDS Campaign
• Child Safety Seat Inspection Station Locator, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

 
Legislation

All 50 states and the District of Columbia have child restraint laws.  Laws vary widely from state to state, and many states are expanding their legislation to require booster seats for older children.  Only a few states have mandated back seating position for children.  For an up-to-date summary of state laws, visit the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety web site.

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