Announcement
Safe Rides for Safe Kids
September 1, 2008

Three out of four child safety seats are improperly installed in vehicles according to research by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

It’s the responsibility of every parent and caregiver out there to make sure their children are safely restrained – every trip, every time.  When it comes to the safety of a child, there is no room for mistakes.

4 Rules for Safe Travel

1) Keep Rear-facing As Long As Possible

• For the best possible protection keep children in rear-facing child safety seats as long as possible.   
• Children should remain rear-facing up to the maximum rear-facing weight limit of the particular seat.
• At a minimum, keep children rear-facing until at least 1 year of age and 20 pounds.

2) When To Go Forward-facing

• Children can ride forward-facing, once they are over one year of age and weigh at least 20 pounds until they reach the upper weight or height limit of the particular seat (usually around age 4 and 40 to 80 pounds).

3) When To Use A Booster Seat

• Once children outgrow their forward-facing seats, they should ride in booster seats, until the vehicle seat belts fit properly.
• Seat belts fit properly when the lap belt lays across the upper thighs and the shoulder belt rests on the shoulder or collar bone (usually when the child is between 8 and 12 years old, approximately 4’9” tall and 80 to 100 pounds).

4) When To Use An Adult Seat Belt

• After children fully outgrow their booster seats, they should use an adult seat belt in the back seat.
• The lap belt should lay across the upper thighs and the shoulder belt rests on the shoulder or collar bone.

Why Booster Seats Are Important

Many children are taken out of car seats too soon – all kids under 4’9” tall need to be in a booster seat to ride safety. Children ages 4 to 8 that use booster seats are 59 percent less likely to be injured in a car crash than children using only a safety belt, according to a study by Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.

Want more about Car Seat Safety  or do you need a car seat? 

Child Passenger Safety Week September 21-27

Car Seat Check
September 13
State Farm Safety Day

Central Ohio Car Seat Fitting Stations
Upcoming events

More Information
Safe Kids Central Ohio