Booster Seat Guidelines and Statistics

Booster seat guidelines have been set in place throughout the United States because statistics show the use of booster seats for children vastly decrease the number of child fatalities from automobile accidents. According to recent statistics, there were 495 fatalities involving children under the age of 5 in 2004. Of these 495 fatalities, 35% occurred due to a child being completely unrestrained in a vehicle. The same statistic concluded that 451 lives' of children under the age of 5 were save in 2004 due to a safety restraint. 431 of these were attributed to the use of safety seats, including booster seats for children. 54% of toddlers who use a booster seat properly survive an automobile accident.

Booster Seat Guidelines

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the average child outgrows their forward facing child seat by the age of 4. At this time, the transition to a booster seat must be made, after a child has reached the age of 4 and 40 pounds. Booster seat guidelines state, booster seats for children must be used in the backseat until lap and shoulder belts fit correctly across the thighs and chest. This is estimated to occur when a child is 4'9" or the age of 8. When used correctly, booster seats for children reduce the severity of injury a child will suffer in an automobile accident.

Booster seat guidelines aren't always followed correctly, increasing a child's risk for injury during an accident. Common mistakes made when using a booster seat include using the wrong size for the child's age, incorrectly installing the booster seat in the vehicle, and not securing the child correctly.

Booster Seat Statistics

While a booster seat is considered to be 60% safer for a child than a seat belt, seven out of ten children are improperly restrained in their child booster seat, which increases the risk for injuries and fatalities should an accident occur. According to the latest research, 96% of parents and caregivers believe their child's booster seat is properly installed, when in reality, the majority of the seats are not being used correctly.

While statistics show the use of booster seats for children are effective, only 70% of parents and caregivers feel the use of a booster seat is necessary. 21% of children 4 to 8 years of age are said to ride without a booster seat on occasion. Most parents and caregivers believe once a child reaches the age of 8, they no longer need to ride in the back seat of a vehicle. However, this is untrue. Children under the age of 12 are the safest in the backseat due to the passenger airbag found in the front of most vehicles.

You can have your booster seat inspected to ensure it is installed correctly at a local "Inspection Station."

References:
"Child Passanger Safety Statistics" Safe Check
"Four Steps for Kids" NHTSA