09/15/2024 | Press release | Archived content
Published on September 15, 2024
Sept. 15-21 is Child Passenger Safety Week and the Menlo Park Police Department wants to remind you to make sure you are using the correct car seat for your child's age and weight.
Why are car seats and boosters so important?
Remember, regular seatbelts are designed for 165-pound male adults, so children need the adjustments that car seats provide for added safety. Navigating the world of child car seats can be stressful and confusing with so many questions about age, weight and types of car seats. These guidelines will help you get up to date on the current car seat laws and regulations. This is very important since studies indicate that children are between 54% (toddlers) and 71% (infants) less likely to sustain a fatal injury if they are secured in a properly installed car seat. Using a booster seat reduces the risk of serious injuries in children ages 4-8 by 45%. Statistics show that four out of five child safety seats are being used incorrectly.
Here are some guidelines and tips on the proper use of child car seats:
Learn more and find car seat and booster seat recommendations here.