AUSTIN – In recognition of Child Passenger Safety Week, which runs Sept. 15-20, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is reminding drivers to educate themselves on the best child safety seat practices in order to keep our state’s youngest passengers safe on the road.
“Children mimic the adults around them, so it is critical for parents, grandparents and loved ones to model the importance of wearing seatbelts and following other safe practices in the car,” said DPS Director Steven McCraw. “A child’s best protection in a vehicle collision is to be buckled up correctly in the right car seat – and the department urges all drivers to make sure they know what those best practices are as soon as possible.”
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death for children ages 1 through 13. In 2022 alone, there were 1,129 children killed in motor vehicle crashes.
DPS offers the following tips to ensure children are properly restrained while riding in a vehicle:
- When selecting a car seat for your child, ensure it fits in your vehicle properly before purchasing it.
- Avoid purchasing a car seat if you are not aware of the history (i.e. yard sales, social media platforms).
- Model good behavior to young passengers and make sure you are wearing your seatbelt so your children will know it’s the right thing to do.
- Infant car seats should always be rear-facing, and never used forward-facing.
- Be sure to check the maximum height and weight limits of the car seat so children may be properly transitioned to the next one.
- For older children who are using booster seats with lap belts, ensure the belt is across the pelvic area and the shoulder belt strap is placed across the shoulder. It should never be placed along a child’s neck or abdominal area. It should never be used under the arm or behind the back as it could cause severe injury in a crash.
- Texas law states all children younger than 8 years old, unless taller than 4’9”, are required to be in the appropriate car seat wherever they ride in a passenger vehicle. The car seat MUST be installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Children 8 years and older must be in a seatbelt, if an adult hasn’t properly restrained a child, they can receive a $250 ticket.
Certified technicians are available to inspect your car seat installation or assist with the process at locations across the state. Visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website to find a location near you.
