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Kids in Cars: Are They Sitting Safely?
Since we're in the auto insurance business, we want to give drivers as much information
as possible on issues like driving safety and auto insurance. We're interested in
promoting safe driving practices, in part, to keep auto insurance rates low for
our customers.
But obviously, the most important reason we offer information on driving safety
and other related topics is to help you avoid situations on the road that could
endanger you, your family, and other drivers. If you're the parent of young children,
it's important that you know how to keep them safe and secure while they're in the car
with you by following these basic precautions.
Back Seat is Best
Children 12 and under should ride in the back seat to prevent serious injury during
head-on collisions, the most common type of auto crash. Passenger-side air bags are
another reason children belong in the back. Air bags were designed to protect adults-- a
job they do very well. (In fact, because air bags are so effective, you'll typically get
a discount on your auto insurance for them.) However, your child should never sit in the
front passenger seat since the air bag could seriously harm him or her if it deployed.
Safety Seats
Safety seats change as children grow. It's very important that children are buckled
in properly. Surprisingly, according to leading safety authorities, 73% of children
are not.
- Infants—Newborn—1 year
An infant, usually classified as a child up to a year old and less than 20 pounds,
needs to ride in the back seat facing the rear of the car. This positioning correctly
supports the child's head and back. Infants in carriers should never ride in the front
seat of a car with a passenger-side air bag. Serious injury, even fatalities, can occur
if the air bag deploys.
If your child requires special attention that could distract your attention from driving,
have another adult or responsible person sit in the back with the child.
- Toddlers—Up to 40 pounds
If your child is over a year old and at least 20 pounds, he or she will require a
toddler-sized car seat. Pay close attention to the seat's installation directions.
Also, the child seat for your toddler can be placed facing forward—but it still must
be kept in the back seat.
- Small Children—Ages 4-8 and over 40 pounds
When a child's shoulders are above the top set of the strap slots (usually around 40 pounds),
he or she should be restrained with a booster seat. Booster seats allow the shoulder
and/or lap belts in a car to provide the proper protection.
When a child's shoulders are above the top set of the strap slots (usually around 40 pounds), he or she should be restrained with a booster seat. Booster seats allow the shoulder and/or lap belts in a car to provide the proper protection.
There are a few different kinds of booster seats. Finding the right one for your child will depend on the kind of belts you have in the back seat (whether it's a lap/shoulder combination or a sole lap belt), the weight of your child, how the belt fits your child, and if there is an available head restraint. Make sure you're doing it right by checking out the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's
Child Passenger Safety Program.
- Children over age 8 and taller than 4'9"
A child will be ready for an adult lap and shoulder belt when he or she can sit with
his or her back against the seat, knees bent over the edge, and feet on the floor.
The seat belt should fit properly in this position.
Seat-Belt Safety Checklist:
- Make sure the lap belt fits low over a child's upper thighs.
- Check that your child sits straight up against the seat back.
- Always have the seat belt fitted snugly.
- Never secure two people (adults or children) with one seat belt.
- Use both the lap belt and shoulder strap.
- Don't strap the lap belt over the stomach area.
For more information on safe driving and auto insurance issues, read our other Esurance Insights.
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