According to recent research from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration as reported in USA Today, the appropriate use of child restraints in vehicles has decreased in multiple categories between 2013 and 2015, which can put children at significant risk of injuries.

In 2000, there was a 25% decrease in the number of deaths and injuries for children between the ages of 4 and 7 inside vehicles, thanks largely to proper child restraints use. However, in 2015 only 44.5% of children between the ages of 4 and 7 were appropriately belted in their booster seats. That number had dropped from 46.3% in 2013. According to that same dataset, 37.4% of children between the ages of 4 and 7 were improperly restrained in a booster seat or a forward facing car seat. The choice between these two restraints for parents boils down to a child’s weight and height.

Although notable progress was made in 2000 for decreasing the number of deaths and injuries for children in cars, proper child restraint use was the critical factor behind this. Make sure that you have done all of the essential research to determine that the child safety seat, whether it is a booster or forward-facing seat, is appropriately installed and aligned with your child’s weight and height requirements. This could be critical for preventing severe injuries, disabilities or even fatalities in the event of a San Diego car accident.