Letter to the Editor: Riding in Safety Seat Reduces Child's Risk During Crashes

To the Editor:

Motor vehicle crashes are one of the leading causes of death for young children.
A minor crash or even a sudden stop can seriously injure a child who is not riding in the right type of child safety seat. You can reduce the risk by having your child always ride in a safety seat.

The Massachusetts Child Passenger Safety Law requires children to ride as passengers in motor vehicles in a federally approved child passenger restraint that is properly fastened and secured until they are 8 years old or over 57” tall. Also, follow vehicle manufacturer's warnings about seating children near airbags. It is recommended that children 12 and under always ride in the back seat to avoid sitting in front of an airbag. For more information on Massachusetts safety seat regulations go to: www.mass.gov/
childsafetyseats.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) offers several
reasons for replacing a car seat. If the car seat was involved in a moderate or severe crash it should be replaced. They do not have to be replaced if involved in a minor crash.

Minor crashes meet all of the following criteria: Vehicles were driven from scene, vehicle door nearest the safety seat was undamaged, no injuries to the vehicle occupants, airbags did not deploy, no visible damage to the safety seat. Seats over 6 years old should be replaced. The NHTSA also recommends you check to see if you car seat has been recalled before using it. For more information and a link to the safety seat recall list go to: www.nhtsa.gov.

If you would like assistance with your seats installation or have any questions
about safety seats contact Officer Steve Fontes, at the Sharon Police Department 781-784-1587.

Sharon Police Department