During 2021’s National Child Passenger Safety Week, Florida police are ramping up efforts to inform parents about car seat installation. Officers throughout the Sunshine State hope these public service messages have a positive impact on child safety.
According to recent AAA statistics, 500 traffic collisions per day involve children in the USA. The Florida-based auto club claims over 180,000 children were hurt in car crashes between 2018 and 2021.
The US Department of Transportation now claims that traffic accidents are the primary cause of child fatalities. Traffic safety reporters say at least two American children died each day in a car crash in 2019.
One of the main reasons behind these troubling statistics is improper car seat installation. In fact, AAA estimates that over 70 percent of forward-facing child safety seats aren’t attached correctly.
To help address this safety issue, Florida police in cities like Sunrise are taking to the airwaves to spread life-saving information. Officers continuously stress the importance of ensuring a child’s seat has as little shake as possible. They also advise parents to research their car seat’s expiration date and to never use a model that’s six years beyond this date.
Florida parents should also take the time to review the state’s current car seat legislation. Currently, the Sunshine State requires all parents to install an age-appropriate car seat for kids under five. Per Florida law, parents can only start using a booster seat once a child turns four.
Although Florida doesn’t have specific requirements for what car seat drivers need to install, pediatricians recommend using a rear-facing car seat for infants. Parents should move up to a forward-facing seat once a child outgrows the height and weight recommendations for a rear-facing restraint.
Generally, car safety experts don’t recommend transitioning children to a standard safety belt until they’re at least 4’ 9’’. Many organizations like the NHTSA recommend keeping kids in car seats until they turn seven.
Tallahassee lawmakers are considering changes to Florida’s child seat legislation. In March of 2021, a few legislators supported a bill that would require parents to keep using car seats when their kids turn six. However, there’s no word yet on whether this bill will become law.
Not only should parents keep abreast of the latest legal changes surrounding car seats, they should carefully monitor recalls for car seats. Police say National Child Passenger Safety Week is an excellent opportunity to look up car seat models and double-check companies haven’t issued recalls.
Florida parents could also take this opportunity to visit a local police station to learn proper installation techniques. Many Florida Highway Patrol officers will help residents put in a car seat free of charge. Some law enforcement agencies also host events throughout the year where parents can gain valuable insights into car safety.
Any parents who need more info on installing car seats could visit the Florida Highway Patrol’s website. Florida residents could also call their closest FL Highway Patrol troop for specific guidance or to schedule a car seat screening.
