Buying a Safer Car for Child Passengers was designed to help you make an informed decision when purchasing a vehicle for your family. It includes information on safety features and designs specific to child passengers. It also includes safety tips, information from the federal government and a "Family Car Checklist" to take along when you shop for your next vehicle.
Narrowing Your Choices
Here are some important questions to consider before you begin shopping for your next vehicle:
| Q | How many children will you be transporting? | ||||
| A | A safety belt for each passenger is essential. Remember, all children 12 years and under are safest when properly restrained in the back seat of the vehicle. It is estimated that children are 26 percent less likely to be fatally injured if seated in the rear seat of a passenger vehicle. | ||||
| Q | What are the ages and sizes of the children? | ||||
| A | This information will help determine the type of restraint systems you will need. | ||||
| Q | Will you be installing child safety seats? Where will you place them? | ||||
| A | All children are safest properly restrained in the back seat. NEVER
use a rear-facing safety seat in the front seat of a vehicle with a
front passenger air bag unless the air bag has been turned off. If your
child weighs less than 20 pounds, use a rear-facing infant-only or
convertible child seat in the back seat of the vehicle.
If your child weighs more than 20 pounds and is not yet 1 year old, use a rear-facing convertible seat approved for larger infants. Children more than 1 year old and at least 20 pounds may ride facing forward. When children reach the weight and height limit of the forward-facing seat (about 40 pounds and 40 inches), they should be moved to a belt-positioning booster seat to help the lap and shoulder belt fit correctly. Check the child seat manufacturer's instructions for further information.
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| Q | Will the vehicle safety belt system meet the needs of your children? | ||||
| A | Correct safety belt use for all vehicle occupants should be the rule
in your vehicle.
Children who have outgrown child and booster seats must be able to fit the adult belt system correctly. The lap belt should fit low over the child's upper thighs when he or she is sitting straight against the vehicle seat back. The child's knees should bend comfortably over the edge of the seat. The shoulder belt should stay on the shoulder and be close to the child's chest. A lap-only belt (without a shoulder strap) should be used to restrain a child only if no other safety belt system is available. Review the vehicle owner's manual to be sure you understand proper belt usage.
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| Q | What about side air bags? | ||||
| A | Automakers using front and rear side air bags are addressing the out-of-position risk to children differently. Read the vehicle owner's manual or check with the dealer for information about children and side air bags. | ||||
