Child Passenger Safety and Child Safety Seats 4/8/2010
Did you know?
- Children ages 4 to 8 who use booster seats are 59% less likely to be injured in a car crash than children who are not properly restrained.
- According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, motor vehicle crashes were the leading cause of death for every age 3 through 33.
- Less than 20% of children ages 4 to 8 are properly restrained for their size and age.
- All 50 states have laws governing child restraint in a motor vehicle.
What are the different types of Child Safety Seats?
- Rear facing infant seats For infants under 1 year of age or under 20 pounds
- Forward facing child safety seat For children over 1 year of age or between the weight of 20 to 40 pounds
- Booster seat For children ages 4 to 8 or under 4 foot, 9 inches tall
- Safety Belt For anyone over the age of 8 or over 4 foot, 9 inches tall
Note - Any child under the age of 13 is safest when riding in the back seat.
What are the new laws in Idaho concerning child safety seats?
Idaho’s new Child Passenger Safety Law, Idaho Code 49-672, requires that all children 6 years of age or younger be properly restrained in an appropriate child safety restraint. This is a primary law, the fine is $60.00. This new law replaces the language of the old law concerning weight and age requirements of children being transported in a motor vehicle. This new law took effect July 1, 2005.
How do I know if my car seat is installed properly?
You can have your installed car seat inspected to make sure it is installed properly. To find the contact information for your nearest inspection office, you can call the 2-1-1 Idaho CareLine by dialing 2-1-1 or 1-800-926-2588.
What is the WHALE Program?
Emergency service providers across Idaho now have a new tool available to help identify small children involved in motor vehicle crashes. The WHALE program (We Have A Little Emergency) provides instant identification of a child in a car safety seat in the event that an adult in the car is injured and unable to talk.
The WHALE identification card gives emergency personnel information to identify young children involved in a crash. Sometimes, just knowing a child's name can help rescue workers comfort young patients. Rescue workers can refer to an identification card attached to the safety seat and find the child's name, medical information and whom to contact in case of emergency. Stickers affixed to car windows and the safety seat also alert emergency workers that the child's information is close at hand.
To view the WHALE implementation guide, Click Here .
For more information on distribution points or to get a WHALE kit, contact the Idaho Office of Highway Safety, at (208) 334-8102.
How can I learn more information about child safety seats?
To find out more information about child safety seats, go online to the Idaho Department of Transportation’s Child Safety Seat Information web site at http://itd.idaho.gov/ohs/ChildSafety . You can also visit www.nhtsa.gov a national web site for information about child booster seats.