Because children have a different skeletal structure they should not be considered in the same way as adults when wearing a seatbelt and their age, height and weight should all be taken into consideration. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, these are the ways you should choose the right seat belt for your child.
Children under age 1 and those who weigh less than 20 pounds should sit in rear-facing, child safety seats in the backseat of the car.
Children older than 1 who weigh more than 20 pounds should ride in forward-facing child safety seats again placed in the rear of the vehicle. Typically, a child will outgrow a safety seat around age 4 and once she reaches about 40 pounds.
Children age 4 and older, who weigh more than 40 pounds should ride in booster seats and then can safely progress to a seat belt when the belt fits properly across the upper thighs and chest which is usually at age 8 or when they are at least 4 feet 9 inches tall. However they should still sit in the backseat of the car until they are at least 13 years old.
We encourage Henderson area parents to always thing of the welfare of their children and ensure that they buckle up properly. If you, or someone you know, have been injured or killed in a serious accident involving an automobile, call the Henderson accident attorneys of Jolley Urga Woodbury & Little at (702) 699-7500 right away or contact us online, for a free consultation.
