By: Andrea M. Staub , Lawyer at Metzger Wickersham
Did you know that in 2018 one child (under the age of 13) was involved in a motor vehicle accident every 32 seconds? Properly installed car seats and booster seats can reduce the risk of fatal injury in a crash by 71% for infants and by 54% for toddlers. However, for many, installing these seats correctly can prove to be a difficult task.
That is why The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) promotes Seat Check Saturday, annually, on the fourth Saturday in September.
This year, Seat Check Saturday is observed on Saturday, September 25, 2021. Click here to find a Free Child Passenger Seat Check Event near you.
Many state and local agencies participate annually to maintain car seat safety and awareness. At these events, certified car seat technicians are typically available to answer questions and help you properly install child safety seats free of charge.
Child passenger safety laws vary from state to state, so it’s important you are familiar with the laws here in Pennsylvania.
- Birth-2 Years: Must be secured in a rear-facing car seat until the child outgrows the maximum weight and height limits designated by the car seat manufacturer.
- Birth-4 Years: Must be properly restrained in an approved child safety seat anywhere in the vehicle.
- 4-8 Years: Must be restrained in an appropriate booster seat.
- 8 Years and Older: Must be in a seat belt.
To learn more about Pennsylvania’s Occupant Protection Law for Children, visit Pennsylvania’s DOT website.
Metzger Wickersham cares about protecting children and encourages all adults to take the responsibility of keeping them safe when riding in a vehicle. Remember, securing a child in the proper safety seat for his or her age, height and weight, is the easiest way to ensure the child’s safety when traveling in a motor vehicle.