Though Illinois law requires all children under eight years old to be secured in a child safety seat when riding in a vehicle, compliance with the law is only part of the reason to make sure your younger children are properly restrained. A U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Fact Sheet reveals that booster seats reduce the risk for serious injury among children ages four to eight years old by 45 percent as compared to seat belt use alone. Proper car seat use also reduces the risk of fatalities among toddlers ages one to four by 54 percent. For many parents, there can be challenges in choosing a safe booster seat, especially considering the volume of models available.
Seat belts, car safety seats, and booster seats are highly effective in protecting children from injury and reducing fatalities in the event of a car accident. However, no device can entirely prevent casualties. If your child was injured in a motor vehicle crash, you should contact a Chicago personal injury lawyer at Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C.. To schedule a free case assessment regarding your case, contact us right away at (312) 236-2900.
Before researching specific models, it’s important to understand the purpose of booster seats: They are intended for children older than one year, so they are not appropriate for infants. In fact, many of the top models indicate on their labeling that they are intended for children three years or older. Also, booster seats are not appropriate safety restraints for airplanes, regardless of age. If you require a chair at your destination, you should either check your model or consider renting one upon arrival.
Besides age, your child’s height and weight are important factors in identifying the right booster seat for your needs. Most products indicate a minimum weight of 30 pounds for a high back seat and 40 pounds for a booster seat without a back.
You should bear in mind that state laws requiring car seats and other restraints for children are the minimum guidelines to avoid a violation; they don’t represent best practices according to safety experts. For instance, Illinois law doesn’t account for children over eight who could be vulnerable because of their weight. You should consider age, weight, and height together when choosing a safe booster seat.
Another consideration when choosing a safe booster seat is how your vehicle’s factory-installed safety harnesses work with the model. These chairs are designed to incorporate the seat belt for restraint, so you should look for a product that positions it at the proper point of the body. High back booster seats are ideal for routine use because they place the shoulder belt at the right location across the child’s chest.
A Chicago personal injury lawyer at Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C. can provide legal support and advice if your child is hurt due to another driver’s negligence. Our skilled attorneys have considerable experience assisting parents in recovering compensation for their children, and we are here to help. To set up a free, initial consultation with one of our lawyers, contact (312) 236-2900 today.
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