Car Seat Safety

Staying Within the Law and Your Budget

In Georgia, automobile accidents are the leading cause of death and injuries for children ages 1 to 12
years. The national statistics are sobering - in 2009, 1,314 children were killed and 179,000 were
injured, according to the CDC.
The lack or improper use of car seats is a major contributor to this problem. According to the National
Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 4 out of every 10 children under 6 who die or are
seriously injured in auto accidents were unrestrained or improperly restrained; however, when car
seats are used correctly they are 71% effective in preventing injury among infants and 54% effective
with children ages 1-4.
Realizing the crucial role that car seats play in child safety, Georgia lawmakers passed laws and
regulations pertaining to their use.
According to Georgia law:
ALL children under the age of 8 whose height is less than 57 inches must ride in the
backseat 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.
Children under the age of 8 are required to be in either a car seat or a booster seat suitable
for their age and height.
If there is not a back seat in the vehicle (e.g., a truck) or if other restrained children are in
the back seat, Georgia law permits a child under the age of 8 to sit in front if restrained in
the proper car seat or booster and the child weighs at least 40 pounds.
Georgias 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.
Violating these laws can result in a fine of up to $50 and one point against your license per
improperly restrained child. A second incident may double the fines and points.
Beyond the Law
Experts suggest several other tips to ensure your childs safety while riding in a motor vehicle:
Children under the age of 13 should ride in the backseat.
Holding a child in your lap or placing a car seat in the front seat instead of the back could
put your childs life in serious danger.
Avoid using a used child car seat or one that has been in an accident.
Buckle up even on short trips around the corner. Most car accidents occur within a 5 mile
radius of the home, according to a 2001 study by Progressive Insurance.
How to Shop for a Car Seat
When shopping for a new car seat, consider these important factors:
Safety - Every child safety seat manufactured or sold in the U.S. must meet strict federal government
safety standards. That being said, the seats with the five point harness are thought to be the safest
because they restrain your childs whole body instead of just the neck or shoulders. Several child
advocate websites, including the American Academy of Pediatrics and Childrens Hospital of Atlanta,
offer their recommendations for the safest child car seat.
Comfort and Compatibility Your car seat should fit both your child and your vehicle. Bring your
child with you when buying a car seat to ensure the proper size, fit and comfort level.
Warranty - A good car seat will be durable. Check the warranty period included with the seat the
longer, the better.
Price While all cars have the same basic safety features, more expensive seats will provide
additional features such as reclining positions, easier installation and cushioning.
Convenience In addition to choosing a car seat that is easy to install and easy to clean, parents
can choose from innovative design options such as the car seat/stroller combination, the detachable
car seat, or the convertible seat, which converts from a rear-facing infant seat into a forward-facing
toddler seat.
Boost Your Safety
Booster seats are the most overlooked part of car seat safety. The goal of a booster seat is to lessen
the risk of injury by helping the seat belt fit properly. Booster seats are recommended for children 4-7
years old who are less than 4 feet 9 inches tall.
When using a booster seat, remember the following:
Use a high back model if your vehicle has low seats and no headrests. You can use a
backless model if your vehicle has a headrest.
Use the booster seat until your child meets manufacturer weight limits or fits into a seatbelt
properly.
If you are not sure if your child needs a booster seat, you can take the 5-step test developed by
Safety Belt Safe U.S.A. at www.carseat.org.
Four Steps to Safety (as recommended by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)

Age Limit
Weight /
Height Limit
Comments
Infant
Seat
Newborn to 1
yr.

Less than 1 yr.
Up to 20 lbs.

20-35 lbs.

These car seats should be rear-
facing

For 20+ lb. babies, use a seat
recommended for heavier infants
Toddler
Seat
1-3 years 20-40 lbs
Child needs to be BOTH 1 year
old and 20 lbs. or more before
placed in a forward-facing seat
Booster
Seat
From 4 years
to at least 8
years
Between 40-
80 lbs; Under
49 tall
Booster seat should be used with
lap and shoulder belt; Lap belt
should rest across the lap-never
the stomach
Safety
Belt
8+ years
Taller than
49



FREE CAR SEATS
Armstrong Police Department has a program that provides families
with car seats free of charge if you meet the following requirements;
1.) Can provide a Medicare card for your child or show that
you use food stamps
2.) Are a GA state resident
To get a car seat you should call and make an appointment with Autumn
Taylor 344-3134. They prefer to make appointments in the morning or
afternoon. If you do not have your child in a seat when you arrive they
will NOT give you a ticket. They are all about keeping babies and
children safe. Your child needs to be with you when you go to ensure a
proper fit with a new seat. Each appointment will take about 30
minutes, as a car seat technician will teach you how to properly install
the seat and how to properly secure your child in the seat.
If you meet these requirements please take advantage of this great
service to ensure your childs safety. If you do not meet these
requirements and would like to check to see if your seat/s are installed
correctly they will check them for you for free.