NHTSA recommends that car seats be replaced after a moderate or severe crash. The aim is to ensure continuous, high-impact protection for children in the event of a possible future car accident. Car seats do not need to be replaced after minor accidents. California`s car seat law requires every child under the age of two to be strapped into a rear-facing car seat on the rear seat of the vehicle, but older children must also sit in the back because it is safer than the front seat. Legally, children cannot sit in the front seat until they are eight years old, but even then, it is not advisable. Footnote * On this website, the term “child passenger” refers to any child killed in a traffic accident as a car occupant. Passenger cars include passenger cars and light commercial vehicles. † restraining status was known for 549 of the 607 child occupants aged 12 and under who died in crashes in 2020. Of the 549 children for whom the detention status was known, 211 (38%) were not under control.
Always wear your own seat belt. Model this safe behavior so that children in your car see it every time you drive. Infants and young children should remain in rear-facing seats for as long as possible. Once they have passed the size or weight restrictions of their seat, they can upgrade to a larger seat with a belt and then to a booster seat. If you place a booster seat or child seat in the front seat of a pickup truck, make sure it is properly secured according to the manufacturer`s instructions. For children under 2 years of age, parents must use a rear-facing car seat unless the child exceeds the height and weight requirements specified by the seat manufacturer. In addition, the airbag must be switched off each time a child is seated in a rear-facing seat. There is no rear seat in the vehicle, as with a truck or two-seater. Those who have become too tall for car seats and booster seats should use the vehicle`s lap belt/shoulder harness. 2 to 4 years: Once the child has reached the recommended weight and height through the car seat instructions, they can switch to a forward-facing seat. The average child can upgrade to a forward-facing seat over 2 years old, and some child seats allow them to stay until they exceed 65 pounds. Check what the safety seat manufacturer recommends for your child seat.
8 years and older: Once the weight and height requirements for booster seats are met, children can sit in adult car seats. Your child can stop using a booster seat between the ages of 8 and 12 once they are 4 feet 9 inches tall. Essentially, booster seats should be used until your child can safely wear an adult seat belt, with the lap straps and shoulder straps in a comfortable position. In the front seat of a car, Michigan law requires drivers and passengers to wear seat belts, regardless of age. If a vehicle is stopped, even for any other reason, a police officer may issue a ticket if a person in the front seat is not wearing a seat belt. Children whose weight or height exceeds the above limits for forward-facing seats must use a booster seat. Always make sure the booster seat is properly secured by the vehicle`s lap belt and shoulder harness. Speaking of car seats, did you know that bulky winter coats prevent car seats from working properly? During these cold winter months, this is something to keep in mind, even if you`re just driving around the neighborhood. Is your child tall enough to sit securely in a forward-facing seat? When in doubt, follow the 4-40-40 rule: remember that a car seat is an important safety feature. Saving money with an outdated or used car seat is not as important as protecting your child`s life. Booster seats: These seats provide extra support for smaller bodies in the adult car seats and work with the car`s seat belts. There are different booster seats, but they are usually designed for use up to about 8 years or a height of 4`9″.
Install and operate car seats and booster seats in accordance with the car seat/booster seat manual. You can get installation assistance from a certified child passenger safety technician. Before you let your child sit in the front seat, make sure you know how old they should be before becoming a passenger to stay safe in the car. Although Michigan`s front seat laws allow children in forward-facing car seats, booster seats, or seat belts to drive in the front seat with airbags, this is not recommended. In the event of an accident, the airbags inflate quickly and powerfully.
