As part of our commitment to community safety, Dordick Law Corporation is focusing this month on child passenger safety. We want to highlight the importance of following California’s stringent child safety laws to protect our youngest passengers on the road.
California law mandates that children under 8 years old or under 4 feet 9 inches tall must be secured in a federally approved child restraint system. Rear-facing car seats are required for children under 2 years old, unless they exceed 40 pounds or 40 inches in height. Children then transition to using forward-facing seats with harnesses, and later to booster seats. These laws are designed to provide maximum protection in the event of a collision.
Failure to comply with these laws can result in significant fines and, more importantly, increased risk of severe injury or death. Using correct child safety restraints ensures optimal protection at each stage of development. Proper use of car seats and seat belts can reduce the risk of fatal injury by 71% for infants and 54% for toddlers, highlighting the life-saving potential of these safety measures.
Despite these laws, many car seats are used incorrectly. It’s estimated that up to 90% of car seats are misused, greatly diminishing their effectiveness. Tragically, motor vehicle crashes remain a leading cause of death for children under 13 in the United States, with over 600 fatalities reported in 2019. For a car seat to provide adequate protection, it must be installed correctly. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for installation and usage.
In California, the economic burden of spinal cord injuries, often resulting from traffic accidents, is substantial, with lifetime costs exceeding $3 million per individual. This underscores the importance of adhering to safety laws to prevent such devastating outcomes.
At Dordick Law Corporation, we understand the profound impact that a catastrophic accident can have on a family. Our experienced personal injury attorneys are committed to advocating for the rights of children and their families. We provide expert legal guidance, handle insurance claims, and work with medical and accident reconstruction experts to build strong cases.
We invite you to read our Child Passenger Safety FAQ for more detailed information on California’s laws and how we can assist you in the event of an accident. Let’s work together to keep our children safe on the roads.
For more information fill our free consultation form, or contact us at (310) 551-0949 . Your child’s safety is our priority.
References:
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- California Highway Patrol (CHP)
- “2019 Child Passenger Safety Fact Sheet,” NHTSA
