Car Seat Safety
Throughout the United States, there are laws that require car seat use for
children. In Ohio, parents or guardians by law must use a car seat for all
children under 40 pounds and under 4 years of age. Make sure you know the
car seat law of any state you may travel to. Many states require that children
stay in appropriate car seats through 8 years or up to 4 feet, 9 inches tall. Car
seat belts are made for adults and cannot protect a small child.
Car crashes are the main cause of serious injury and death in children.
Correctly using a car seat can save a child’s life or prevent a more serious
injury.
Car Seat Safety Guidelines
Where do I place the car seat?
• The back seat is the safest place for children under 12 years to ride.
• Never place a child in the front seat of a car or truck that has a passenger
air bag.
• If a child is old enough to use an adult seatbelt and must ride in the front
seat, secure the child correctly in the lap and shoulder seatbelt and move
the front seat as far back as you can from the dashboard.
Is my child facing the right way?
• Babies until 1 year old and 20 pounds must ride rear facing in an infant
car seat.