Car Accidents Still Top Cause of Child Deaths

Car accident injuries are still the leading cause of death among children under the age of 15 in the United States. According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), between 2010 and 2014, approximately 3,000 children died in car crashes in the US. This equals to about 11 children dying per week. Most of the children who died were not properly belted or restrained at the time of the accident.

Losing a child is very difficult. The untimely loss of a child which could have possibly been prevented is even more devastating. This article discusses the importance of properly restraining a child while in a car and protecting them from suffering serious injuries or dying in the event of an accident.

Tips for Preventing or Reducing Likelihood of Child Death in Car Accidents

Some accidents are inevitable and resulting injuries are out of the victims’ hands. However, in some instances, serious car accident injuries or death can be prevented if certain safety steps are taken. This is especially true in motor vehicle injuries involving children.

One of the most important safety features in a vehicle is the seatbelt. By properly securing your child in with a seatbelt or restraints, you can reduce the severity of injuries in the event of an accident. Wearing seatbelts can also reduce the likelihood of a fatality. According to the NHTSA, of the children ages 12 years and younger who died in a crash in 2015 (for which restraint use was known), 35% were not buckled up. These numbers are unnecessarily high and can be prevented if the parents or guardians simply take the time to follow the law and buckle up their children.

Buckle Your Child – It’s the Law!

Research shows that child restraints and seatbelts are the most effective way to prevent catastrophic injuries or death in children. California state law requires that children who are two years old or younger must ride in a rear-facing car seat until they weigh at least 40 pounds or are over 40 inches tall.

California law further requires that children under the age of eight must ride in a booster seat or car seat. Upon turning 8 years old or at least four feet nine inches, a child can be secured by a safety belt. Complying with these important laws can make a big difference in the event that your child is involved in a motor vehicle crash.

Contact an Experienced Los Angeles Car Accident Lawyer

If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, you should discuss your legal options with an attorney as you may be entitled to compensation.  The Los Angeles car accident attorneys at the Law Offices of Samer Habbas advocate for our clients’ full financial recovery through hard work and aggressive lawyering. For more information or to schedule a complimentary consultation with one of our attorneys, please call the Law Offices of Samer Habbas at 949-727-9300.