Child Safety a Crucial Part of Driving

9/25/2010

When it comes to holding down auto insurance rates, many people are inclined to think first about steps they can take to avoid accidents in the first place. However, an equally important aspect of driver safety is being sure that all occupants can avoid serious injury if possible when and if an accident does occur - especially if they happen to be children.

With that in mind, the U.S. Department of Transportation recently reported that the number of children involved in motor vehicle crashes fortunately fell in 2009. However, not enough of them are being properly secured in booster seats despite this data.

"Make no mistake about it: child safety seats save lives," said Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. "Children who graduate too soon from their safety seats are at risk of serious injury. Parents and caregivers should ensure that safety seats are installed correctly and should always use them. Their children depend on it."

According to the new government data, an average of four children under the age of 14 were killed in car crashes each day in 2009, while another 490 were injured.

To help make further progress on this problem, the federal government is encouraging parents to be sure their child safety seats are properly installed and to take advantage of the many inspection events periodically held at fire stations and other public safety facilities around the country.

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