09/30/2025
At Safe Kids Columbia Coalition, we check car seats almost every day. This past Saturday was and we had a seat check this past Wednesday. Here are some statistics you should know from NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) based on their most recent data:
- A total of 700 children were killed in traffic crashes while riding in passenger vehicles in 2023, and over 125,000 were injured.
- In passenger cars, car seats reduce the risk of fatal injury by 71% for infants and by 54% for toddlers 1 to 4 years old in passenger cars. For infants and toddlers in light trucks, the corresponding reductions are 58% and 59%, respectively.
- NHTSA estimates that since 1975, child restraints have saved the lives of 11,606 children under the age of 5.
- A NHTSA study found that while most parents and caregivers believe they know how to correctly install their car seats, about half (46%) have installed their child’s car seat incorrectly.
ALL CHILDREN from Birth - 8 years old, 80 lbs and 4'9" should ride in a car seat until the seat belt fits appropriately. They need to be able to 5 step 1)They should not be in a lap and shoulder belt alone until they can bend their knees at the vehicle seat, 2) the lap portion of the seat belt fits across the thighs, 3) the lower back is on the vehicle seat, 4) the shoulder belt is between the neck and shoulder, and 5) the child can ride this way every time they are in the vehicle. Remember to keep the lap and shoulder belt off of the belly and neck (the soft parts) and make sure it is on the hips and thighs and in the middle of the shoulder.
