Car Seat Safety

Hard Facts about Safety in Cars

  • 59% of car seats are misused in a way that could reduce their effectiveness (e.g., loose harness, incorrect installation).
    — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
  • Rear-facing seats reduce risk of severe injury by over 75% compared to forward-facing.
    — American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP, 2018)
  • In one study, 91% of new parents made at least one critical error when installing or using a car seat.
    — Journal of Pediatrics, 2016

Car Seats Save Lives

  • Car seats typically expire 6–10 years after manufacture.
    • Heat, sunlight, and wear can weaken materials.
    • Expired seats may no longer meet current safety standards.
  • Using a properly installed car seat reduces the risk of fatal injury by (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 2022):
    • 71% for infants (under 1 year)
    • 54% for toddlers (1–4 years)
  • Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians (CPSTs) offer free car seat installation help in most communities.

Did you know?

  • Children under age 13 should always ride in the back seat (NHTSA & AAP Guidelines).
    • Never place a rear-facing seat in front of an active airbag, which can cause fatal injury.
  • Common errors can significantly reduce protection in a crash.
  • Avoid aftermarket accessories (like head positioners or strap covers not made by the seat manufacturer), they can interfere with performance during a crash.
  • Only use car seats that meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 213.