Are Your Kids Safe?
Motor Vehicle Crashes are the #1 cause of death for children and adults, age groups 1 to 34. Properly using child restraints and seatbelts may be the most important things you can do to protect your family.
Did you know that Texas law requires your child to remain in a booster car seat until at least 8 years of age or until they are 4’9” tall? And even if your child meets the state minimum requirements they should STILL remain in a booster for optimum safety <or similar phrase> until you can answer YES to all of these questions:
<The sentences below should be rewritten as questions.>
1. The lap belt rests low child’s thighs, touching child’s hips. It should not rise up and touch child’s belly.
2. The belt crosses firmly across the chest half way between the shoulder and the neck. It should not touch the neck or the edge of the shoulder.
3. Child’s bottom rests in the bight (crease at back) of the vehicle seat and child doesn't slouch forward
4. Knees bend at or beyond the end of the vehicle seat and feet rest flat on the floor
5. Child can remain in this position 100% of the time for every single ride, without slouching, slumping, or leaning when napping.
If you answered NO to ANY of the above questions your child should remain in a booster. The back seat is the SAFEST place for your children. A child should not ride in the front seat. Your child should never ride with a lap belt only. Always use the lap AND shoulder belt!
<I would eliminate the 'for your little ones' stuff if this is to be included in new Elementary school children's orientation packets. Save that info for another time.>
Visit your local fire station to have your seat inspected by a certified technician! <---- Only include this information if the local fire stations have CPSTs and do car seat checks! Otherwise, put in accurate, up to date info about where they really CAN obtain a check with a currently certified CPST, or just say something about having their seats checked by a certified CPST and give a link to the Inspection Station Locator site or to the SK CPST search site.
Please keep your children safe in your car. They are worth it!
ETA: Also you also can put a 'For more information visit the American Academy of Pediatrics Car Safety Seats Information for Families or Car-Seat.org Car Seat Forum'.
References:
Car-seat.org
Joelsjourney.org
Kyledavidmiller.org