Wall Police Offer Tips on Child Passenger Safety
Motor vehicle crashes claim the lives of more children in the United States than any other cause of death however; most motor vehicle related deaths and injuries are preventable. One way to combat this horrible trend is to buckle children in both age and size appropriate car seats, booster seats and seat belts. A recent online study of 1,000 parents of children ages 4 to 10 funded by the General Motors Foundation revealed that 7 in 10 parents did not know that a child should be at least 57 inches (4’9”) to ride in a car without a booster seat while 9 in 10 parents move their child from a booster seat to a seat belt prematurely. Booster seats reduce the risk of serious injury by 45% compared to using seat belts only.
New Jersey’s seat belt law requires all passengers between the ages of 8-17 to be buckled in no matter where they are sitting and they are required to wear a properly adjusted and fastened seat belt system. Additionally, children up to 8 years of age or 80 pounds must ride in a safety or booster seat in the rear of the vehicle. If there is no rear seat then the child must ride in the front seat secured by a child safety seat or booster seat.
Additional information that parents should consider include buckling all children ages 12 and younger in the back seat. Airbags can kill young children riding in the front seat. Buckle children in the middle rear seat if possible as this is considered to be the safest seat in the vehicle. Never place a rear facing seat in front of an air bag. If both of these scenarios cannot be avoided then it is suggested to deactivate the passenger side front airbag. Make it a rule that the car doesn’t move unless your child is buckled in!
In recognition of Child Passenger Safety Week, the Wall Township Police will have certified officers available on Saturday, September 27th from 10am to 2 pm at our headquarters on Allaire Road to inspect and properly install child safety seats.
Parents and guardians are encouraged to visit the following websites for child safety seat information and other relevant child safety topics: www.safekids.org , www.nhtsda.org , www.cpsboard.org and www.cdc.gov .
Prepared by:
Lt. Erik Ertle #105
19SEP14
