Children depend on adults to protectthem. However, despite their bestintentions, many adults do not knowhow to protect childpassengers.If you have children, or ever need todrive with a child in your vehicle, besure to read this section. It beginswith important general guidelines,then presents special information forinfants, small children, and largerchildren.Each year, many children are injuredor killed in vehicle crashes becausethey are either unrestrained or notproperly restrained. In fact, vehicleaccidents are the number one causeof the death of children ages 12 andunder.To reduce the number of childdeaths and injuries, every state andCanadian province requires thatinfants and children be properlyrestrained when they ride in avehicle.(see pages ).(see pages ).38 4748 51properlyAll Children Must Be RestrainedInfants and small children must berestrained in an approved child seatthat is properly secured to thevehicleLarger children must be restrainedwith a lap/shoulder belt and ride ona booster seat until the seat belt fitsthem properlyProtecting Children General Guidelines Driver and Passenger Safety33Children who are unrestrainedor improperly restrained can beseriously injured or killed in acrash.Any child too small for a seatbelt should be properlyrestrained in a child seat. Alarger child should be properlyrestrained with a seat belt anduse a booster seat if necessary.
