Child Passenger Safety - Stage 3 Booster Seat
Who:
Usually around age 4
Over 40 pounds
What:
Belt-positioning booster seat. Use until safety belt fits properly - see Stage 4.
Why:
Seat belts are designed for 165-pound male adults, so it's no wonder that research shows poorly fitting adult belts can injure children. Booster seats help ensure proper seat belt placement - resulting in a safer ride for your child. It is the appropriate next step after the child has outgrown a forward-facing child safety seat.
Be Sure:
- ALWAYS use both lap and shoulder belt with a booster seat.
- Make sure the lap belt fits low and tight across the lap/upper thigh area - NOT the abdomen.
- Shoulder belt should cross the chest and shoulder.
- ALWAYS in the back seat!
AAA Note:
Currently, there are no federal standards for booster-seat manufacturing for use in children weighing more than 50 pounds. The federal government is currently studying the issue, and more information is expected in the future. AAA supports additional research with the goal of accumulating more specific data and injury criteria. One of AAA's goals is to pass laws and close loopholes in existing laws to ensure children are "Seated, Safe & Secure" until age 18.
What we do know is that properly restrained children are less likely to be injured in a crash than unrestrained children and that a proper fitting seat belt is an important factor in injury prevention during a crash.
Convinced Yet?
Education is the key to convincing parents and children to use booster seats. A recent study by Wirthlin Worldwide found that although 88 percent of parents and caregivers are aware of booster seats, only 23 percent use them for their children.
Most children actually like booster seats. They're more comfortable and are able to see better out vehicle windows.
Most important, they provide a safe spot for child - definitely safer than an improperly fitting adult-size seat belt.
How do you know when it's time to switch to an adult seat belt?
When the child can sit with his back straight against the vehicle seat back cushion and knees can bend over the seat edge without slouching. The seat belt should fit the child low across the hips and thighs, and across the shoulder and chest. It should not cut into the child's abdomen or neck.
What type of injuries could occur if the seat belt doesn't fit properly?
Out-of-position lap belts can cause serious injuries to the liver, spleen or bowel. Additionally, as the child's upper body jack-knifes over the high-riding lap belt, the spine may pivot and fracture, resulting in paralysis.
The Back is Where It's At!
The back seat is safer for everyone - especially children under age 13. Properly restraining a child in the back seat can significantly reduce the risk of death or injury in a crash.