Children as young as 12 months old can unbuckle their seatbelts according to research conducted at Yale University's School of Medicine. Boys attempt to unhook their seatbelts more often than girls. "Kids only 12 Months Old Can Undo Car Seat Restraints," MSNBC (May 1, 2011).
More than 40 percent of children under the age of three who are able to unbuckle restraints do so while the car is moving. According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), if left unrestrained in a 30 mph crash, children may be thrown forward with a force equal to 30 times their own body weight. For a 10-pound infant, this equates to 300 lbs of force and is equivalent to falling from a three-story building.
Commentary
Car accidents are the leading cause of death in children between the ages of four to eight according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children ride in rear facing car seats until the age of two. Children under the age of two who are rear facing in car seats are 75 percent less likely to die or become injured in car accidents.
Children should ride in booster seats until they are 4' 9" inches tall and between the ages of 8 and 12.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recommends the following precautions for car seat safety:
More than 40 percent of children under the age of three who are able to unbuckle restraints do so while the car is moving. According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), if left unrestrained in a 30 mph crash, children may be thrown forward with a force equal to 30 times their own body weight. For a 10-pound infant, this equates to 300 lbs of force and is equivalent to falling from a three-story building.
Commentary
Car accidents are the leading cause of death in children between the ages of four to eight according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children ride in rear facing car seats until the age of two. Children under the age of two who are rear facing in car seats are 75 percent less likely to die or become injured in car accidents.
Children should ride in booster seats until they are 4' 9" inches tall and between the ages of 8 and 12.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recommends the following precautions for car seat safety:
- Select a car seat based on your child's age, height and weight.
- Keep your child in the car seat for as long as your child fits in the seat's height and weight requirements.
- All children under the age of 13 should ride in the back seat.
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