Child Passenger Safety

DOUGLAS POLICE CHILD PASSENGER SAFETY

Motor vehicle crashes are on of the leading causes of death for young children. A minor crash or even a sudden stop can seriously injure a child who is not riding in the right type of child safety seat.

YOU CAN REDUCE THE RISK BY HAVING YOU CHILD ALWAYS RIDE IN A PROPERLY FASTENED AND SECURED SEAT.

PARENTS AND CAREGIVERS MUST BUCKLE UP!

Drivers who buckle up are more likely to have children passengers who are buckled up. Children may not hear what you say, but they will do what you do!

BEEN IN A CRASH?

Car seats, seat belts, and air bags are generally made to withstand only one crash. Car seat replacement is not always required.

Minor Crash Not Requiring Car Seat Replacement:

  • No cracks or deformities can be seen by looking at seat
  • Vehicle with car seat installed can be driven from the scene
  • Vehicle door nearest car seat is undamaged
  • There were no occupant injuries
  • Air bags did not open

PARENTS AND CAREGIVERS MUST BUCKLE UP!

Drivers who buckle up are more likely to have children passengers who are buckled up. Children may not hear what you say, but they will do what you do!

What is the “Best” Child Restraint?

Correct for child’s:

*      Age
*      Size
*      Physical Development
*      Maturity Level

  • Fits in your vehicle
  • Easy to use
  • Comfortable for child
  • Instructions available
  • Recall status known
  • When Can a Child Wear an Adult Safety Belt?
  • Tall enough to sit without slouching, by Mass Law over 57”
  • Shoulder belt rests comfortably across the shoulder and chest, not the next or throat
  • Lap belt fits securely, low and snug on hips
  • Sits with back and bottom against the seat
  • Knees completely bend over edge of seat
  • Feet are flat on the floor
  • Stays comfortably seated this way

When Can a Child Wear an Adult Safety Belt?

  • Tall enough to sit without slouching, by Mass Law over 57”
  • Shoulder belt rests comfortably across the shoulder and chest, not the next or throat
  • Lap belt fits securely, low and snug on hips
  • Sits with back and bottom against the seat
  • Knees completely bend over edge of seat
  • Feet are flat on the floor
  • Stays comfortably seated this way

USE THIS CHART AS A GENERAL GUIDE TO WHAT SAFETY SEAT YOUR CHILD SHOULD RIDE IN.     

SEE SEAT AND VEHICLE MANUFACTURERS’ INSTRUCTIONS FOR DETAILS.

AGE

WEIGHT/HEIGHT

TYPE OF SEAT

INFANTS

Birth to a minimum of 1 year

Up to 20-22 lbs.

Or maximum weight limit of the seat

Infant Seat or rear-facing convertible

TODDLERS

1 to 4 years

20-40 lbs.

Or maximum weight limit of the seat

Convertible or forward-facing

YOUNG CHILDREN

5-7 years

41 lbs. to 57”

Belt positioning booster seat

CHILD

8-12 years

Greater than 57”

Seat Belt

HELPFUL LINKS
SAFE KIDS
NHTSA
RECALL LIST
MASS.GOV EOPSS