Can I Save a Child’s Life Today?

Action you can take to help stop the number one killer of young children.

The leading cause of death in young children in the United States is accidental death. And the highest number of deaths occurs as the result of motor vehicle accidents. The rate is even higher in rural states like Montana. And the stunning fact is that about half of these deaths can be prevented.

The reason? Improperly used or defective child restraint systems. A study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found more than 70% of car seats, booster seats and other restraints were being used improperly and would fail to prevent injury. Termed “critical misuse” by the NHTSA, the problems fell into several categories: 

• Inappropriate restraint system for the age and weight of the child;
• Car seat facing in the wrong direction;
• Misplacement with respect to air bags;
• Car seat or booster not secured properly in the vehicle;
• Harness or crotch strap not properly adjusted;
• Missing or unused locking clip on safety belts.

How to save a life

With more than two-thirds of child restraint systems being misused, it is obvious that if even one caregiver, parent, grandparent or other family member takes action, we can save some lives and prevent the almost unimaginable tragedy of a child’s death. Auto accidents happen. No one can prevent them and you don’t have to be at fault to suffer the consequences. But there is help available:

• Manufacturer’s website. Many manufacturers provide instructions for proper installation and use of their products on the web. This is helpful if you no longer have the original guide that came with the seat. Some even put up videos that show the same information. Here is an example of an excellent video of this type: Britax Booster Seat
• Two general resources on the web that describe age and weight appropriate restraints: HealthyChildren.org and NHTSA.gov.
• Contact your local police department. Police officers are trained on the proper use of child restraints and will inspect yours for free. They are happy to give instructions on proper use because they have seen the heartbreaking results of misuse.

You can save a life…

… but not by reading an article. You need to take action. If it is your child at risk, don’t assume you are in the one-third who know how to use a car seat properly, get a second opinion. If it is your friend’s child, or your grandchild or even just someone you know who has a child restraint in the vehicle – bring the matter to their attention. Car crashes happen every day and every hour of every day. Waiting is a gamble that not only isn’t necessary, but is foolish.

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