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Home » For Kids' Sake  » Child Passenger Safety  » Safety Seat Guide  » Stage 4: Lap/Shoulder Belt

Stage 4: Lap/Shoulder Belt


Stage 4: Lap/Shoulder Belt

In today's highly mobile society, children travel more than ever. Sadly, this mobility comes at a staggering price. In 2007, more than 1,600 kids died and over 200,000 were injured in car crashes - enough to rank motor vehicle crashes as a leading cause of death for children in the U.S. Tragically, many of these deaths could have been prevented. Research shows that seat belts and safety seats - when properly used -are the most effective tools in preventing injuries and deaths in vehicle crashes.

For more information on child passenger safety, contact your local AAA office.

When:

  • Safety belts fits properly -
    • Shoulder belt across collar bone & chest.
    • Lap belt fits across hips/thighs, not abdomen.
  • Knees bend naturally over edge of seat while sitting erect, with back flat against seat back.

Why:

  • Motor-vehicle crashes are the No. 1 killer of children - including teenagers!
  • Crashes killed more than 1,600 kids last year alone, ranking far ahead of all other types of unintentional injuries and claiming more lives than any childhood disease.
  • Many of these deaths could have been prevented if only the children had children had been properly buckled up.
  • Children under 13 years of age should be properly restrained in the back seat. Teenagers should wear lap and shoulder belts in every seating position in a motor vehicle.

Be Sure:

  • ALWAYS require seat belt use for all passengers.
  • Make sure the lap belt fits low and tight across the lap/upper thigh area - NOT the abdomen!
  • Shoulder belt should cross the chest and shoulder.

 

 

Help is available

Car seats work best when they are installed correctly. An expert can answer your questions and check your car seat to make sure it's right. It's free and only and step away. To find an expert near you, you can call 1-866-SEAT-CHECK or click here.

 

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Did You Know?

Wearing a safety belt is the single most important thing motorists can do to protect themselves in a crash. AAA promotes safety belt use through programs such as The Back is Where It's At and Buckle Up America Week.

Click here for fun safety games featuring your favorite cartoon characters.


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