We can reduce the risk of serious injuries and death from vehicle accidents by making sure children are properly buckled in car seats that are appropriate for their age and size.

Did you know that car seat use reduces the risk for injury in a crash by 71–82% for children, when compared with seat belt use alone (CDC)? However:

• Researchers who observed children riding in cars in a 2011 study estimated that 46% of car seats and booster seats are used incorrectly in a way that could reduce their effectiveness. Car seat misuse estimates are even higher at 59% when booster seats are excluded. (Source: CDC)
• Some smaller more recent studies indicate that misuse could be 85% or more in some areas. (Source: CDC)
• Another study found that while almost all parents use the harness straps in car seats and booster seats, at least 40% have the harness too loose, 34% have the chest clip in the wrong position and 30% have the harness straps twisted. These numbers are specifically for forward-facing car seats but the rear-facing numbers are very similar. (Source: NHTSA)

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