Do you know the latest recommendations for the appropriate use of car safety seats? Did you know that there are differences between what our state mandates and the national recommendations? Did you know that, according to the CDC, for those aged 5–34 in the United States, motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death, claiming the lives of 18,266 Americans each year? Most people are not aware that the recommendations for car safety seats were updated in 2011 and that there were significant changes from previous recommendations. Hopefully, this will give you some additional information on how to keep your children safe while on the road:
The code of Alabama (Sec. 32-5-222), updated in 2006, states:
The term “motor vehicle” as used in this section shall include a passenger car, pickup truck, van (seating capacity of 10 or less), minivan, or sports utility vehicle.
(1) Infant only seats and convertible seats used in the rear facing position for infants until at least one year of age or 20 pounds.
(2) Convertible seats in the forward position or forward facing seats until the child is at least five years of age or 40 pounds.
(3) Booster seats until the child is six years of age.
(4) Seat belts until 15 years of age.
National recommendations, adopted in 2011 by the American Academy of Pediatrics and based on the latest research and safety information from around the world, are as follows:
(1) Infants/Toddlers: All infants and toddlers should ride in a Rear-Facing Car Safety Seat (infant seats and rear-facing convertible seats) until they are 2 years of age or until they reach the highest weight or height allowed by their car safety seat’s manufacturer.
(2) Toddlers/Preschoolers: All children 2 years or older, or those younger than 2 years who have outgrown the rear-facing weight or height limit for their car safety seat, should use a Forward-Facing Car Safety Seat (convertible seats and forward-facing seats) with a harness for as long as possible, up to the highest weight or height allowed by their car safety seat’s manufacturer.
(3) School-aged children: All children whose weight or height is above the forward-facing limit for their car safety seat should use a Belt-Positioning Booster Seat until the vehicle seat belt fits properly, typically when they have reached 4 feet 9 inches in height and are between 8 and 12 years of age.
(4) Older children: When children are old enough and large enough to use the vehicle seat belt alone, they should always use Lap and Shoulder Seat Belts for optimal protection. Additionally, all children younger than 13 years should be restrained in the Rear Seats of vehicles for optimal protection.
As you can see, the national recommendations are much more comprehensive than what is required by state law. For optimal safety, it is recommended that every caregiver should follow the national recommendations, which will be in accordance with state law and provide the additional protection needed. If you are traveling, you should also check the laws of each state that you plan to visit (http://www.iihs.org/laws/childrestraint.aspx). As always, drive safely and remember your precious cargo!
