September 20 through 26 is National Child Passenger Safety Week, with the week serving as a reminder to parents and caregivers of how to keep children safe when riding in vehicles.
“A total of 677 children were killed in traffic crashes while riding in passenger vehicles in 2024, and over 127,000 were injured, so a pretty significant number, but on a positive side, since 1975, child restraints have saved the lives of 11,606 children under the age of five,” said Radcliff Deputy Fire Marshal Tommy Crane.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says there are four types of car seats for child passengers, with recommendations based on the size and age of a child. Children should be in a rear-facing car seat from at least birth to one year, then in a forward-facing car seat until around age four. The next stage is booster seats, for which Crane says the regulations are often overlooked.
“Four feet and nine inches tall or eight years old is what you have to go by on that, and that is actually a state law, but a good rule of thumb on booster seats when you’re ready to transition is that the shoulder belt should come across the shoulder and should not ride up on the neck of the child,” Crane said.
The installation of a car seat is also critical. If you have questions or concerns, reach out to your local police or fire department to speak with a Certified Passenger Safety Technician. Find more tips and information on the NHTSA website or at www.safekids.org.
