COLLEGE STATION — Several government agencies are continuing their fight against unnecessary deaths and injuries sustained in motor vehicle crashes, especially those involving children.
The Texas Agricultural Extension Service, Texas Department of Public Safety, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Texas Department of Health — SafeRider and Texas Department of Transportation are promoting the week of Feb. 8-14 as National Child Passenger Safety Awareness Week.
“Our goal is to educate Texans about buckling up their children,” explains Martha Kingston, Extension assistant-passenger safety.
According to the DPS, 217 children aged 12 and under were killed in motor vehicle crashes in Texas in 1996. Additionally there were 34,315 children injured in motor vehicle crashes.
Although no safety device is 100 percent effective all of the time, a child safety seat can make a life-saving difference.
“When correctly used, child safety seats are 71 percent effective in preventing fatalities. Along with that, correctly used seats are 67 percent effective in reducing the need for hospitalization,” Kingston notes.
“Correctly used” means seats are in the proper position, secured to the vehicle properly and that the child is buckled properly into the safety seat.
Texas law requires children aged 2 and under be properly restrained in a safety seat that meets federal safety standards. Children between 2 and 4 must be in a child safety seat or secured by a seat belt. Children under 12 are prohibited from riding in the open area of pickup trucks at speeds in excess of 35 mph on public roads.
“Secure infants and toddlers in a child safety seat that is appropriate for their age and size,” Kingston says. “Older children wear vehicle safety belts.”
Lap belts should be low and snug across a child’s hips. The shoulder belt must not cross the face or the neck, Kingston explains.
Drivers can take several additional steps to help protect child passengers.
Pre-crash braking may throw an unrestrained child against the dashboard at or near the passenger air bag location. So, the safest place for passengers, especially those aged 12 and under, is in the back seat, Kingston says.
Never place a rear-facing infant seat in the front seat of a vehicle with a passenger-side air bag. If a toddler convertible seat must be placed in the front seat of a vehicle, move the seat position back as far as possible from the dashboard
Buckle up every one, every time, Kingston adds.
“Make it a habit from the time a baby comes home from the hospital. The reason we encourage everyone to buckle up on every trip is because most crashes happen within 25 miles of the home.”
Furthermore, children emulate the behavior of their parents. “A parent must set the example for their child,” she says.
For more information on supporting National Child Passenger Safety Awareness Week, contact the Passenger Safety Education office at (979) 845-3850 or call your local county Extension agent.
-30-
CFAM TOP