Keep Kids Safe on the Road – Every Trip, Every Time

During National Child Passenger Safety Week and all year, make sure your child is safe and secure in the right type of seat – every trip, every time.

Child Passenger Safety Week is September 21-27, 2008.

Child safety seats and booster seats save lives. They offer the best protection for children in the event of a crash. Learn more here, and visit our spotlight on National Child Passenger Safety Week.

Know the Facts about Car and Booster Seat Safety

Did you realize that placing children in age- and size-appropriate car and booster seats can reduce their risk of being injured or killed in a crash by more than half?

Some other facts you should know about child passenger safety include:

• In the United States in 2006, car and booster seats saved the lives of 425 children under age 5.
• Car and booster seats are often used incorrectly. One study found that nearly 3 out of 4 seats were used improperly. Incorrect car seat use can decrease the life-saving potential of a car seat during a crash. Learn more about tips for proper use.
• Kids should remain in booster seats until they are at least 8 years old or 4'9".
• All children ages 12 and younger should ride in the back seat.

Take Steps to Keep Your Child Safe

• Be sure all kids are in the correct car or booster seat* every time they ride in a vehicle, even on short, quick trips. Listen to CDC's Laurie Beck, MPH (4:55 minutes) explain car and booster seat stages and how to know what's best for your child at his or her stage.
• Read your car seat instruction manual and your vehicle owner's manual to make sure you're installing and using the car seat correctly.
• Send in your car seat registration card so you can be contacted about any recalls. You can also get recall information by calling the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Auto Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.
• Replace any car seat that was used during a crash.