WHAT MATTERS MOST
- Using the right car seat can cut a child’s injury risk in a crash by up to 82%, but NHTSA says about half of all car seats are installed incorrectly.
- Kids should move through stages as they grow — rear-facing, then forward-facing with a harness, then a booster — usually staying in each stage until they outgrow it, not switching too early.
- This matters in taxis and rideshares too, not just your own car — and if your child is injured in a crash due to someone else’s negligence, a lawyer can help you understand your options.
For parents and caregivers, few responsibilities are more important than keeping children safe on the road. During Child Passenger Safety Week, September 20 through September 26, 2026, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is encouraging families to make sure children are riding in the correct car seat or booster seat for their age and size.
For families throughout the Hudson Valley and Greater New York, this is an important reminder to take a few minutes to check car seats, booster seats, and seat belt fit before getting back on the road.
Why Child Passenger Safety Matters
Proper child restraints can make an enormous difference when a serious collision occurs.
According to NHTSA, an estimated 160,850 children ages 14 and younger were injured in traffic crashes nationwide in 2024, while 677 children lost their lives. The agency reports that correctly installed car seats can reduce the risk of fatal injury in passenger car crashes by 71 percent for infants and 54 percent for toddlers.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also emphasizes the value of proper restraints. CDC research shows that car seat use can reduce the risk of injury in a crash by 71 to 82 percent for children when compared with seat belt use alone. Booster seats can reduce the risk of serious injury by 45 percent for children ages 4 through 8 when compared with seat belt use alone.
These statistics demonstrate why choosing the appropriate restraint is so important, whether your family is traveling a few minutes down the road or taking a longer trip across New York.
Is Your Child in the Right Seat?
Knowing when to transition from one type of restraint to another can be confusing.
The CDC recommends keeping children in a rear facing car seat with a harness until they reach the maximum height or weight allowed by their particular seat. Once a child outgrows that seat, they should ride in a forward facing car seat with a harness and top tether until they reach its height or weight limit.
After outgrowing a forward facing seat, children should use a booster seat in the back seat until the vehicle seat belt fits properly without one. According to the CDC, proper seat belt fit usually occurs when children are between the ages of 9 and 12. Children should remain properly restrained in the back seat through age 12.
Parents should always check the instructions provided by both the child restraint manufacturer and vehicle manufacturer because height and weight limits vary.
Car Seat Installation Is Just as Important
Having the correct car seat is only part of keeping a child protected. It also needs to be installed and used properly.
NHTSA reports that about half of all car seats are incorrectly installed, even though many parents and caregivers believe they installed them correctly.
NHTSA recommends reading both the car seat manual and the vehicle owner’s guide before installation. The agency also encourages parents and caregivers to visit a car seat inspection station to have the installation checked.
National Seat Check Saturday takes place on September 26, 2026, with participating communities offering assistance from certified child passenger safety technicians.
For busy families throughout the Hudson Valley and Greater New York, this can be an ideal opportunity to make sure a child’s restraint is being used correctly.
Do Not Rush the Transition to a Seat Belt
Children grow quickly, which can make parents wonder when it is safe to move from a booster seat to a standard vehicle seat belt.
The CDC recommends keeping children in a booster seat until the vehicle seat belt fits correctly without it. A properly fitted lap belt should lie across the upper thighs rather than the stomach, while the shoulder belt should cross the center of the shoulder and chest rather than the neck or face.
NHTSA also notes that many children between ages 8 and 12 may still need a booster seat.
The safest transition depends on the individual child and how the seat belt fits, rather than simply reaching a certain birthday.
Remember to Register Your Car Seat
Another easy precaution is registering the car seat or booster seat with its manufacturer.
NHTSA specifically recommends registration because it allows manufacturers to notify owners about new safety recalls.
Parents can also routinely inspect car seats for signs of damage and make sure they continue to comply with manufacturer requirements.
Making Every Trip a Safer One
From morning school drop offs to weekend trips throughout the Hudson Valley, child passenger safety should be part of every drive.
Child Passenger Safety Week provides an important opportunity for parents and caregivers to pause and ask a simple question: Is my child riding as safely as possible?
Checking the type of restraint, confirming proper installation, reviewing the manufacturer’s instructions, and paying attention to seat belt fit can all make a meaningful difference.
If your child has suffered injuries in a serious motor vehicle collision in New York, understanding your family’s legal rights can be an important part of moving forward. An experienced New York personal injury attorney can review the circumstances, explain potential options, and help families seek accountability when another party’s negligence causes harm.