The Need to Restrain Children in the Vehicle

Every year many children are injured in vehicle accidents solely because they were not using, or were improperly using, appropriate restraints. Remember that road traffic accidents are the leading cause of death among children up to and including age 12.

To reduce the risk of death or injury to infants and children, always use appropriate restraints on every trip with children in the vehicle.

Infants and small children must be secured in child restraint systems properly installed in the vehicle (see pages 41 - 59).

WARNING

In a collision, children may be seriously injured or killed if they are not properly restrained.

Small children who are too short to use the standard seat belts need child seats or cradles installed on the seats. For older children, booster cushions can be placed on the seats so that the children can use the vehicle's seat belts.

Older children must always be secured with the diagonal lap/shoulder seat belt.

In most European countries, child restraint systems used in vehicles must meet the requirements of ECE Regulation 44.

Many countries legally require the use of certified child restraints for children under 12 years old or under 150 cm (4 ft 11 in) in height. Regardless of which seat the children ride in, the laws of these countries require the use of officially approved child restraint systems. If you plan to transport a small child in the vehicle, first check local laws on child safety in vehicles.