Multiple studies show that the use of an appropriate child seat or booster seat significantly reduces the risk of injuries in the event of an accident. For this reason, Utah law mandates that children younger than 8 sit in an appropriate restraint system. This rule does not apply to kids who are at least 57 inches tall, at which point it is permissible to use a lap and shoulder belt without a booster seat.
The Click It Utah website offers comprehensive guidelines to help parents properly adjust their children’s car seats as they grow. Unfortunately, even a properly restrained child may suffer an injury in a crash with a negligent driver.
If you or your child was injured by a drunk, distracted, or reckless motorist, contact the Truman Law Firm P.C. Ronald W. Truman is a car accident attorney in Utah who has been protecting the rights of the injured for more than 25 years. He will help you pursue the maximum compensation for medical bills and other damages. Call 435-986-2222 today to schedule a free initial consultation.
Read on to learn how you should adjust your child’s restraint system according to his or her age:
0 to 12 Months Old
The head of an infant or young toddler is heaver and larger in proportion to its body compared to older kids. As such, it is recommended that young children sit in rear-facing car seats. This will minimize the stress on the infant’s spine and neck in the event of a collision.
1 to 3 Years Old
Parents are advised to keep their toddlers in rear-facing child seats until age 2. At that point, it is permissible to use a forward-facing child seat.
4 to 7 Years Old
Children between the ages 4 and 7 are often too big to sit in a forward-facing child seat, yet they are still too small to wear an adult seat belt. These children are safest in booster seats, which will put them in a position there the seat belt fits across the strongest bones in the body.
8 to 12 Years Old
Your child’s booster seat will list the maximum height and weight allowed, and you should wait until your child reaches that height and weight before transitioning to an adult seat belt. If your child is 4’9”, then he or she would probably be safe wearing a lap and shoulder belt. According to ClickItUtah.org, kids who are shorter than 4’9” are four times less likely to sustain serious injuries if they are sitting in a booster seat.
Unfortunately, even if you take every precaution imaginable, there is always a possibility that a child will sustain an injury in a car accident. If you or your child was hurt by a negligent driver, turn to the Truman Law Firm P.C. for comprehensive legal guidance.
Ronald W. Truman graduated top 10 percent of his class from Brigham Young University, and he has the highest legal rating offered by Martindale-Hubbell. Call 435-986-2222 to schedule a free consultation with a personal injury lawyer in Utah.
