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- Motor Vehicle crashes remain the leading cause of unintentional-related death among children ages 19 and under.
- Riding unrestrained is the greatest risk factor for death and injury among child occupants of motor vehicles.
- When used properly, child safety seats have been found to reduce the risk of fatal injury by 71% for infants (under 1 year of age) and 54% for toddlers (1-4 years old).
- Nationally, it is estimated that 80% of children who are placed in child safety seats are improperly restrained.
- Children 12 and under should always ride properly secured in the back seat. The front seat is a more dangerous spot. Front air bags deployed in even minor fender-benders have seriously hurt and even killed some children.
- Rear-facing child restraints should never be placed in front of a passenger air bag.
- Every child should be restrained in a child safety seat or a booster seat until they turn 8 years old, unless they are 4 feet, 9 inches tall.
- Seat belts are made for adults. Booster seats position children, who have outgrown child safety seats, to correctly fit the vehicle lap and shoulder belts.
- Objects should not be transported in the vehicle's passenger compartment. Groceries and other heavy items become dangerous projectiles during a crash.
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