More children die from traffic crashes each year than from all other causes combined. Children riding in a vehicle need extra protection. When used correctly, a child safety seat or booster seat can reduce the chance of death or serious injury to a child in a traffic crash by as much as 70 percent.
Four steps of child passenger safety
The Ohio Department of Public Safety (ODPS) promotes the four steps of child passenger safety as:
- Step 1—Rear-facing child seats for children from birth to at least 20 pounds and at least one year of age
- Step 2—Forward-facing child seats for children over 20 pounds and at least one year old to about 40 pounds and about age four.
- Step 3—Belt-positioning booster seats until they are at least eight years old, unless they are 4’ 9” tall.
- Step 4—Seat belts for older children large enough for the belt to fit correctly: At least 4’ 9” tall and about 80 pounds.
If you have questions about car seat safety or need you child passenger restraint checked for correct installation:
- Call: 1 (937) 393-3060 or 1 (800) 243-7703