Occupant Protection for Children

Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for children over the age of 6 months, and more children under the age of 5 years are injured or killed in vehicle crashes than the seven most deadly diseases combined. Properly used air bags, safety belts and child safety seats reduce the likelihood of a fatality by more than half. In fact, properly used child safety seats reduce the likelihood of a fatality by as much as 71 percent. Unfortunately, child safety seats are misused 70 to 80 percent of the time.

Continued attention must be focused on educating individuals regarding occupant protection legislation and occupant protection use. Ongoing emphasis must be aimed at the proper use of child restraint devices, including the use of special needs seats. The TSTC offers a variety of regional workshops focusing on occupant protection and particularly occupant protection for children.