Car Accidents Happen Fast—The Right Seat Can Make All the Difference
As parents, we do everything we can to protect our kids, but one of the most critical safety measures often gets overlooked: using the right car seat for their age and size. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 598 children under the age of 12 were killed in traffic crashes in 2022 while riding in passenger vehicles. The heartbreaking reality is that many of these deaths could have been prevented with proper car seat use.
Car seats reduce an infant’s risk of fatal injury in a car accident by 71% in passenger vehicles. However, choosing the right seat and installing it correctly isn’t always straightforward. That’s why NHTSA launched the “The Right Seat” campaign—to help parents make informed decisions and ensure their children are properly protected in every ride.
How Often Do Car Accidents Involve Kids?
The statistics are staggering. The NHTSA reports that every 25 seconds, a child aged 14 or younger is involved in a crash while riding in a passenger vehicle. While not every accident results in severe injuries, improperly secured children face a significantly higher risk of serious harm.
The key takeaway? Proper car seat usage isn’t just a recommendation—it’s a lifesaving necessity.
Car Seat Safety by Age: What Parents Need to Know
Many parents assume their child is ready to transition to a booster seat or standard seatbelt before they truly are. But moving a child too soon can put them at risk. Here’s what the NHTSA recommends:
- Infants and Toddlers (0-3 years old): Use a rear-facing car seat for as long as possible—until your child reaches the seat’s height or weight limit. Rear-facing seats offer crucial head, neck, and spine protection in a crash.
- Preschoolers (4-7 years old): When kids outgrow rear-facing seats, they should move to a forward-facing car seat with a harness. Keep them in this seat until they reach the manufacturer’s height/weight limits.
- Older Kids (8-12 years old): Most children still need a booster seat at this age to ensure the seat belt fits properly. A child is only ready for a standard seat belt when the lap belt lies snugly across the upper thighs (not the stomach), and the shoulder belt crosses the chest and shoulder (not the neck or face). Kids should always ride in the back seat until at least age 12.
Car Seat Installation: Get It Right
Even with the right seat, incorrect installation can render it ineffective. Studies show that nearly half of all car seats are installed incorrectly. To make sure yours is properly secured:
- Read the car seat manual and your vehicle’s owner manual to understand installation requirements.
- Use either the LATCH system or a seat belt, but not both, unless specified.
- Ensure the seat doesn’t move more than one inch in any direction when tugged at the base.
- If using a forward-facing seat, make sure the top tether strap is securely fastened.
To be 100% sure, take advantage of free car seat inspections offered by certified technicians across the country. Many communities also provide virtual seat checks for added convenience.
Even the Best Safety Precautions Can’t Stop a Negligent Driver
No matter how carefully you secure your child in the right car seat, there’s one risk you can’t control—other drivers on the road.
A single moment of negligence can cause a devastating crash. A distracted driver glancing at their phone, a drunk driver swerving across lanes, or a fatigued trucker struggling to stay awake can all put you and your child in danger. These accidents happen in seconds, and young passengers are among the most vulnerable.
While a properly installed car seat greatly reduces the risk of serious injury, severe crashes can still cause head trauma, spinal damage, broken bones, or internal injuries. When another driver’s recklessness leads to harm, families deserve justice. At Hoover Rogers Law, LLP, we fight to hold negligent drivers accountable and secure the compensation needed for your child’s recovery.
You can’t control every driver on the road, but you can take action to protect your child’s future.
Protecting Your Child After a Crash
Car seats are designed to protect children in an accident, but when another driver’s negligence causes a serious crash, the consequences can be life-changing. Even with the best safety precautions, young passengers can suffer severe injuries that require extensive medical care and long-term support.
If your child has been hurt in a crash caused by a reckless driver, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. At Hoover Rogers Law, LLP, we fight for families in Wichita Falls, TX, and Lawton, OK, to recover compensation for medical expenses, future care, and pain and suffering. Our team understands the stakes and is committed to holding negligent drivers accountable.
Your child’s safety is your priority. Getting the justice your family deserves is ours. If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, contact us today for a free consultation. There are no upfront or out-of-pocket costs, and we offer legal representation to accident victims on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay nothing unless we win your case.