Transcript Our GOAL …… SAFER WHEN THEY LEAVE Child Passenger Safety Susan Burchfield, Trauma Injury Prevention Coordinator Child Passenger Safety Technician.

Our GOAL ……
SAFER WHEN THEY LEAVE
Child Passenger Safety
Susan Burchfield, Trauma Injury Prevention
Coordinator
Child Passenger Safety Technician
WE can make a difference
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Traffic crashes can happen at any time
Most parents want to keep their children safe and
follow state law
We can educate and advocate
Texas law – 2009
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Mandatory use of booster seats – until 4’9” or 8 years
of age
Everyone in vehicle must buckle up
No one younger than 18 may ride in open-bed pick up
truck
No one younger than 5 may ride on motorcycle
No one younger than 7 may be left unattended in
vehicle
Facts about Child Passenger Safety
Provided by TxDOT
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Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for
children ages 2 to 14.
Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration National Center for Statistics and Analysis, 2006
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Of children ages 5 to 9 in Texas, just half are buckled up.
Texas Transportation Institute’s Observational Survey of Safety Belt Use Among School-Aged Children, 2007
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As many as 42% of children under the age of 17 ride in
vehicles without the benefit of child passenger safety seats
or safety belts.
Texas Transportation Institute’s Observational Survey of Safety Belt Use Among School-Aged Children, 2007
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In 2006, 1,136 Texans lost their lives because they weren’t
wearing their safety belts or restrained in child safety
seats.
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Motor Vehicle Occupant Protection Facts, 2006
BEST PRACTICE
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Based on recommendations by National Highway
Traffic Administration, Safe Kids, American
Automobile Association, and other advocacy groups
Gold Standard of protection
Most acceptable way to transport
Based on child’s age, weight, height and body
development
EDUCATION is our best method to reduce injury to
our children
Typical Misuse of Child Restraints
Locally, 95% of child restraints are used incorrectly
 Seat does not fit child
 Seat incorrectly installed in vehicle
 Seat recalled – unfamiliar with seat history
 Retainer clip not at correct position
 Lap belt too high on tummy
 Shoulder belt behind back – no upper body
protection
“BEST” Child Restraint
 The one that fits your child
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Height, weight, age, maturity
 The one that fits your vehicle
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Latch, tether, seatbelt, airbags
 The one that you will use correctly
every time
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1” rule
Force of Crash
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Newton’s Law
Weight x Speed = Restraining Force
20 pound child x 30 mph = 600 pounds of
force to restrain
Benefits of Restraint
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Spread force across large area of body
Allow body to slow down with crash
Keep people inside vehicle
When to Replace a Restraint
• Follow all manufacturer instructions
• Restraints should only be used for the
weight/height specified by manufacturer
• Restraints should be replaced 6 years after
the manufacture date
• Restraints may need to be replaced after
being involved in a crash
After CRASH – Should Restraint be
Replaced?
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Cracks or deformities visible?
Vehicle driven from scene?
Vehicle door nearest restraint damaged?
Occupant injuries?
Did air bags open?
• Always refer to manufacturer’s instructions
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration NHTSA
Four Steps for Kids
Rear-facing child restraint
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As long as possible
Birth – be aware of manufacturer’s minimum weight
Until at least 20 pounds AND 1 year of age
Best practice – higher-weight rear facing seats
Route straps at or below the shoulders
Clip level with arm pit
Ensure baby at correct angle
As little as possible between baby and the straps –
remove blankets, heavy clothing
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration NHTSA
Four Steps for Kids (con’t)
Forward – facing restraint
 No earlier than 1 year of age and 20 pounds
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Until child exceeds top weight or height
allowed by manufacturer
Route strap above shoulder
Clip level with arm pit
Internal harness provides greater safety than
seat belt with booster
Limit layers between child and straps
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration NHTSA
Four Steps for Kids (con’t)
Booster Seat
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TX law – 4’ 9” or 8 years of age
Position lap and shoulder belt to fit properly
Must be used with lap and shoulder belt
Select high-back or no-back
NHTSA reports children moved to seat belt too soon
are 4 times more likely to suffer serious head injury
Use of booster seats will reduce risk of injury by 60%
(stat provided by Texas Department of Public Safety)
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration NHTSA
Four Steps for Kids (con’t)
Seat belt
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Everyone in vehicle must buckle up
OUR GOAL -Children are SAFER WHEN THEY LEAVE
Questions?
Susan Burchfield, CPS-T
254 724-1431
S&W Trauma Center Injury Prevention Coordinator
Safe Kids Mid-Texas Coalition Coordinator