It is alarming to hear, but motor vehicle injuries are the leading cause of deaths among American children; however, many of these deaths can be prevented by simply placing children in the appropriate car or booster seats. Before you travel this holiday season, please ensure that your child is in an age- and size-appropriate car or booster seat.

Child restraint systems, if used properly are effective in saving the lives of children. In 2005, 1,335 children ages fourteen (14) and younger died while riding in a motor vehicle, and approximately 184,000 were injured. In 2006, however, approximately 425 young lives were saved by the proper use of child and booster seats.

Child safety seat laws, safety seat distribution, education programs, and enforcement programs are increasing the use of child restraint systems. However, it is imperative to understand that in order to reduce the risk of injury to your child, the child restraint system in your vehicle must be properly installed. Unfortunately, it is a sad reality that many child restraint systems are being used incorrectly. Moreover, there are studies indicating that misuse of a child restraint system could increase a child’s risk of injury during a motor vehicle accident. Therefore, it is important to understand how to properly install a child restraint system and your state’s legal requirements regarding the use of age- and size-appropriate child and booster seats. Finally, please consider utilizing services offered by community organizations, fire stations, and hospitals, etc., which are available to assist you with ensuring that your child restraint system is properly installed. In fact, many of the services offered by these entities are free or minimal cost to you.

If you have any questions regarding child restraint laws in Maryland, the District of Columbia and Virginia please contact the attorneys at Patel & Williams, PLLC.