• 03
  • May
    2011

The National Transportation Safety Board recently started a campaign that draws attention to the issue of child safety in automobiles. NTSB Chairman Deborah Hersman is renewing her Certified Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) status in an effort to reemphasize the agency's commitment to child safety. CPSTs instruct parents and others responsible for the transportation of children to ensure that these groups understand how to keep children safe.

According to the NTSB, motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for children age 2-12. While the number of victims has decreased, many states do not have suggested safety guidelines in place. The agency has long advocated for each state to pass rules that require all children younger than eight be in a booster seat, and that all children under age 12 ride in the backseat of the vehicle.

In Missouri, current rules do not restrict a child to riding in the rear seat. Children three and younger, or less than 40 pounds, must be placed into a child restraint. Children aged four to seven, between 40 to 80 pounds and 4'9" or shorter must also be in a child restraint or booster seat. Children who are over four years old who weigh at least 80 pounds, or are taller than 4'9" have the option of using a seat belt rather than a restraint or booster seat. The state also requires that all children age 8 to 16 wear seat belts.

But not all children ride in cars all the time. Occasionally, children will need to ride a school bus. Bus accidents can be extremely dangerous for children, because there are typically no restraints on board. Drivers and school officials need to be informed on the methods that should be used to keep children safe, especially those who are under the age of five.

Even with these precautions in place, accidents will still happen. To reduce the risk of serious injury or death, check to make sure you are using your car or booster seats properly. Any potential misuse could limit the effectiveness of the restraint in place.

Source: NTSB Targets Increased Use of Child Safety Systems for Passenger Vehicles (Article no longer available online)