Motor vehicle crashes remain the leading cause of unintentional injury-related death among children ages 14 and under. Child safety seats and safety belts, when installed and used correctly, can prevent injuries and save lives. Unrestrained children are more likely to be injured, suffer severe injuries and die in motor vehicle crashes than children who are restrained.

It is best advised to learn these safety tips for your child’s safety in every ride:

* Buckle up every time, no matter how short the trip.
* Children 12 and under should be properly restrained in a back seat. A back seat is generally the
safest place for a child to ride. While air bags can save lives, kids riding in the front seat can
be seriously injured or killed when an air bag comes out in a crash. Even with advanced air
bags or no air bags, the back seat is safer for children.
* Never put a rear-facing child in a front seat with an active frontal air bag.
* Choose the right child safety seat or safety belt for your child’s size and age. Make sure you
have the right seat for your child.
- Infants should ride in rear-facing safety seats as long as possible, until they are at least 12
months old and weigh at least 20 pounds.
- Children who are at least 1 year old, weigh 20 to 40 pounds and can no longer ride in
rear-facing seats should ride in forward-facing child safety seats.
- Children over 40 pounds should be correctly secured in belt-positioning boosters or other
appropriate child restraints until the adult lap and shoulder belts fit correctly, usually around
age 8.
- Once the vehicle safety belts fit children, both lap and shoulder belts should be used
correctly.
* Install and use your child safety seat or safety belt according to the manufacturer’s
instructions and your vehicle owner’s manual.
* Ensure your child safety seat has not been recalled.

Source: Passenger Safety