The Department of Transportation's National highway Traffic Safety Administration claims that more than a third of the children that died in car accidents in 2011 were not wearing seatbelts or were not in the proper car seat. This is why the NHTSA has made it a priority to highlight the importance of passenger safety.
This week is Child Passenger Safety Week, and safety advocates are using this week to highlight the grave dangers of riding without being buckled in. Child Passenger Safety Week is from September 15th to September 21st. The final day of the week culminates in National Seat Check Saturday. As a part of the week of awareness, there are more than 600 events taking place in 45 states throughout the United States.
At these events certified child passenger safety technicians will be on-hand at local police stations to inspect car seats and show parents how to correctly install them and use them. At most locations, this training and advice is provided free of charge. According to the Transportation Department, safety is a top priority for the U.S. Government. Children are the most vulnerable passengers in cars, therefore they need to be cared for and protected with vigor.
Motor vehicle crashes are still the number one cause of death for children. In 2011, two children under the age of 13 were killed in a car crash every day somewhere in the United States. 338 children were seriously injured every day while they were riding in cars, SUVs, vans, or pickup trucks. The NHTSA claims that of the children killed the percentage of unrestrained fatalities were greater in larger vehicles. 55% of all unrestrained fatalities happened in SUVs, and 43% happened in pickup trucks. As well, 40% happened in vans and 24% occurred in cars.
The NHTSA says that regardless of the size of a vehicle or the age of the child, children should always use proper safety restraints when in a vehicle. Children who are not heavy enough to remain in the seat with a lap and shoulder seatbelt on should sit in booster seats or in an age-appropriate car-seat. Car seats provide proven, life-saving and injury-reducing benefits for child passengers.
The NHTSA cautions parents to make sure that their child is in the right car seat for his or her age and size and to make sure to read the instructions or labels that come with a child's car seat. The NHTSA also suggests that individuals have their seatbelts installed so that they are car-seat friendly and work well with the seats.
From 1975 through 2011, the NHTSA estimates that about 10,000 lives were saved by child restraint systems for children that are under the age of five in passenger vehicles. More than 260 lives were saved by these restraint systems in 2011 alone. Unfortunately, not all fatalities or serious accidents can be avoided by child safety restraints. If your loved one was injured in a car accident, you may be able to seek financial damages from the other party involved if they are responsible for the accident.
Talk to a car accident attorney near you today to learn more. You could potentially gain reimbursement for any medical bills and lost wages during recovery. You also be able to obtain compensation to cover all property damage, and punitive damages for the emotional suffering and physical suffering that you had to endure as a result of the accident. If you have been involved in a car accident recently call an accomplished and revered car accident attorney near you today to learn whether or not you have a case!