Is your child safe?

According to the U.S National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), car crashes are the leading cause of death among children between 5-14 years old. Says NHTSA: "Over 50% of children who die in crashes are unrestrained by safety devices. In addition, 4 out of 5 children are improperly restrained. Here's what NHTSA recommended:

Safety Tips- the safest place for children is the back seat.
1. Infants should be placed in a rear-facing child safety seat in the backseat of the car.
2. A child at least a year old and weighing at least 20 pounds may be placed in a forward facing seat.
3. At 40 pounds, the child can use a booster seat, which is secured by one of the car's lap and shoulder belts.
4. At approximately 80 pounds and height of about four feet nine inches, the child may begin using an adult safety strap.

Cautions-Children should not sit in the front passenger seat until they are at least 13 years of age. Air bags can cause serious injuries to children and babies. When a booster seat is used, a lap belt alone will not provide sufficient protection if the booster seat does not have a shield.