Illinois Passes New Children's Car Seat Law

 Posted on December 00,0000 in Car Accidents

Illinois recently passed a law mandating that child passengers under two years old must ride in car seats that face the back of the vehicle. The bill was signed into law on August 3, 2018.

The law states that children under two years old may sit facing forward in car seats if they are at least 40 pounds or 40 inches tall. A first offense is punishable by a $75 fine, and a second offense is punishable by $200.

This requirement had long been the recommendation made by experts, however, the law previously only required rear-facing car seats up to a year old. Prior to 2011, the Academy of Pediatrics recommended rear-facing car seats until the child was a year old or 20 pounds.

The new recommendation and subsequent law came about after studies showed that death rates were 75 percent lower when car seats were positioned rear-facing until two years of age.

Common Vehicle Collision Injuries in Children

Car seats can only provide so much protection. Children still get injured even when riding in accordance with best safety practices.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the most common injuries to children in auto accidents include:

• Head injuries, including concussions;
• Internal organ injuries;
• Chest injuries; and
• Back injuries.

Head injuries can be very harmful to infants and young people. Head injuries can lead to reading disabilities, memory loss, and headaches.

Injuries sustained so early in life to any part of the body can lead to improper bone growth or permanent disability.

Contact an Orland Park, IL Car Accident Attorney

Even with advances in car seat technology and safety recommendations, children still get seriously injured in car accidents. If your child has been injured in a collision, you have a lot to think about and to plan. Injuries sustained at a young age can, unfortunately, mean a lifetime of medical treatment. Your family should not shoulder this burden if you were not at fault -- or not fully at fault -- in the car accident.

Our firm understands that your health and your children's health is a top priority. We strive to get our clients all the medical help they need now and will need in the future. This is often accomplished by seeking out expert medical opinions.

Call our efficient Cook County auto crash lawyer today at 708-966-2408. We offer free consultations.

Source:

http://www.northernpublicradio.org/post/new-illinois-law-requires-children-remain-rear-facing-car-seats-until-two

https://crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/Api/Public/ViewPublication/811325