Keeping Children Safe in Car Crashes

 Posted on December 00, 0000 in Car Accidents

Having a child is one of the most exciting times in a person’s life. To make sure that your child is safe in your car at all times, it is very important to understand when to use booster seats and when to remove the booster seats. If your child is very young and not in a booster seat, the chances of him or her being seriously injured in a car accident are greater than that if he or she is in a booster seat.

The Benefits of Booster Seats

If a child is only protected by someone else’s lap or by a shoulder harness, the chances of him or her being injured in a car accident is 59 percent greater than if the child is appropriately strapped in a five-point harness or booster seat. Booster seats have the advantage of raising the child up and giving him or her room to sit comfortably with no slouching. Booster seats also give the benefit of having the lap belt across the upper thighs and not the abdomen. Restraining force is then kept away from the abdomen by increasing the lap belt angle at the time of a car accident.

When Should a Child Be in a Booster Seat?

A child younger than three years old is safest in a five-point harness, and he or she should be kept there until no longer comfortable in the harness. Then, when the child is between the ages of three and four years old and at least 40 pounds, the booster seat is a viable option.

However, as many as 50 percent of children at the age of 10 years old may still require booster seats, depending on their height. These children may need booster seats for optimal lap belt placement to prevent serious injuries in the event of a car accident.

When the child is tall enough that the lap belt fits safely without a booster seat, then it may be time for the child to ride without assistance.

Call an Orland Park Personal Injury Attorney

Booster seats and five-point harnesses can save your child’s life in the event of a car accident. If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident with a child involved, it is important to seek legal advice. At Issa Law, LLC, we understand your concerns, and we will go above and beyond to help you win the best case outcome possible. To schedule a free initial consultation with one of our Cook County car accident lawyers, please call 708-966-2408 today.

Source:

https://www.livestrong.com/article/231568-how-long-should-kids-stay-in-booster-seats/