At the beginning of 2012 new Illinois safety belt laws became effective that required all motorists in the back seat of vehicles to wear safety belts or be secured in an approved child restraint system. Although adults simply have to secure themselves with a seat belt, it’s important for all parents to know what child restraint systems are approved. Along with knowing what child systems are approved it is important for parents to know at what ages and weights children should be in specific seats. (Source 1)
It is especially important for parents to know the child restraint regulations because car accidents are the leading cause of deaths in children over the age of 3. A recent study has shown that most parents do not follow the child seat safety regulations. Parents have cited the ever-changing and complex regulations as the main reason for the lack of following the rules. (Source 3)
The following are some general guidelines parents should following when securing their children. It is important to note that the care seat manufacturer’s instructions should always be referred to along with the vehicle owner’s manual for specific installation instructions. (Source 2)
General Guidelines
- Keep children in the back seat until they are at least 12 years old
- As long as children are still within the manufacturer’s weight and height limits, attempt to keep children in a rear facing car seat as long as possible.
- Never install car seats in front of active airbags
- Once children outgrow the height and weight limits on rear facing car seats, they should proceed to forward facing car seats
- After children outgrow forward facing car seats, parents should use booster seats to secure their children
- Until the children can properly fit into a safety belt, they should remain in a forward facing
Parents can help prevent the more than 140,000 emergency room trips that children make annually as the result of car accidents by following and staying on top of the safety regulations and recommendations provided. (Source 3)
Sources
1. http://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/departments/drivers/childsafety.html
