Child Passenger Safety is a California law that requires children under 8 years old to be in the car, strapped and secured in a booster or car seat. There are also height and weight restrictions for smaller children who may be older. This is important because it prevents and protects children from crash injuries.

September 15 – 21 is National Child Passenger Safety Week and reminds us to ensure that these actions are effective. It starts with buying a car seat that suits the child’s age, weight, and height. Placement on either the driver’s side or the passengers’ side of the vehicle is safer than the middle seat because the headrest will stop the child from going towards the window.

A used car seat is not as good as new one because it has an unknown history. It may have been involved in a crash, passed its expiration date, or have had a manufacturer recall status.

When students are familiar with the rules, they can help their parents and older siblings to choose safe seats for their younger siblings, or young nieces and nephews.