Child Passenger Safety Week is underway, and subject area experts are urging parents and caretakers to be on the alert for danger when on the road with a young person in the vehicle.
Studies show that one-third of children killed in car accidents are not in car seats, booster seats, or using seat belts. During Child Passenger Safety Week, which runs until Sept. 27, those hauling children to and from destinations are asked to place the youth in the proper restraints, which cuts serious and fatal injuries by more than half.
Car seats reduce deaths by 71% for infants and by 54% for toddlers in passenger cars. Officials say it’s vital to choose and use the right car seat correctly every time a child is in the car because it could mean the difference between life and death.
“We hear from parents that, ‘My kid doesn’t like to buckle up,’ but safety is non-negotiable,” said Jessica Jermakian, senior vice president for vehicle research at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. “You can negotiate other things in parenting, like meal time, bedtime, or play time, but safety is something that is not negotiable, and it is important to buckle up on every trip.”
Mississippi child passenger safety laws require that children younger than 4 years old use a safety seat or similar restraint. Children ages 4 to 6 years old must use a booster seat if they are shorter than 4-foot-9, or weigh less than 65 pounds. Adult seat belts may be used without a booster when the child reaches 7 years old, is at least 4-foot-9, or weighs at least 65 pounds. Children 3 and under are recommended to be in rear-facing carseats.
In addition to properly securing children in the vehicle, drivers are strongly encouraged to be as safe as possible on the roadways. Drivers are asked to avoid speeding or operating their vehicles erratically, while also refraining from texting or being distracted. Driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol is not only illegal but also strongly frowned upon.
“Risky driving behavior is a significant problem in our fatality numbers in this country, so keeping your speeds in check is important,” Jermakian said. “Make sure you’re not driving impaired or distracted.”
Resources are available to Mississippians in need of a technician to either inspect or install a car seat. Professional service can be found here.
