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Auto accidents stalk Georgia children, but proper child seat use saves lives There's a killer at large in Georgia. Every year without warning, this killer claims hundreds of lives. The victims are powerless to protect themselves. The youngest never make it past the age of two. To most Georgians, the killer's name may come as a surprise: Car Crashes. In Georgia, automobile accidents continue to be the leading cause of death and injuries for children ages 1 to 14. Realizing the crucial role that car seats play in child safety, Georgia lawmakers have passed laws and regulations pertaining to their use. As this new law journeyed through the Georgia General Assembly for two years, the bill was called Madison's bill, named for a little girl whose life was miraculously spared by a booster seat. First responders credited the booster seat with saving the life of the little girl. With Georgia's new booster seat law, many more young lives will be saved. According to Georgia law: ƒALL children under the age of six, regardless of how tall they are, must ride in the back seat of a car. A child is safer in the back and farthest away from the force of an airbag. Remember that airbags are designed to save adults, and since they deploy with great force they can be fatal to children. ƒChildren under the age of six are required to be in either a car seat or a booster seat suitable for their age and height. ƒIf there is not a back seat in the vehicle or if other restrained children are in the back seat, Georgia law permits a child under he age of six to sit in the front if restrained in the proper car seat or booster. ƒGeorgia's "primary safety belt law" allows law enforcement officers to issue a citation if they OBSERVE a seat belt offense. They do not need to stop the driver for another traffic violation first, as in some other states. ƒFailure to obey Georgia law can result in a fineof up to $50 and one point against your license per improperly restrained child. The fineand points may be doubled if a second incident occurs (up to $100.) The lack of improper use of car seats is a significantcontributor to this sobering statistic. Do follow directions that come with the child safety seat, as well as the child passenger restraint directions in your vehicle's owner's manual. ƒInfants: Birth until at least 20 pounds AND at least one year old should use a rear-facing infant seat or rear-facing convertible seat. Route harness straps in lower slots, at or below shoulder level. Fasten the top of the harness clip at armpit level. Keep harness straps snug. ƒToddlers: Over 20 pounds AND over one year old -- up to 40 pounds use forward-facing toddler car seat. Route harness straps in designated reinforced slots, at or above shoulder level. Fasten harness clip at armpit level. Keep harness straps snug. ƒYoung children: Over 40 pounds, up to at least age 8, unless 4'9". Booster seat with a lap and shoulder seat belt. Lap belt should rest across the lap -- never the stomach. Place shoulder strap over the shoulder and snug across the chest. Make sure shoulder strap is never across the neck, fact or arm. ƒOlder children: over 8 or 4'9". Use a lap and shoulder seat belt. Shoulder belt fitsover the shoulder and across the chest. Lap belt should fitlow and tight on hips -- not over the stomach. Shoulder belt should never be placed under arms or behind back.
For free installation and inspections, contact the Wilkes County Emergency Services.
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