Child Safety
Child Restraint Protection Devices
Vehicle safety systems were created to protect adults. This causes children passengers to particularly be at risk during vehicle crashes or mishaps. Effective July 1, 2007 there were three changes to the Virginia Child Passenger Law. This law applies to anyone who provides transportation for a child in any vehicle manufactured after January 1, 1968.
All children under age eight must be properly restrained in a child safety seat or booster seat.
Rear-facing child safety seats must be secured in the back seat of a vehicle.
Children can not ride unrestrained in the rear cargo area of a vehicle.
What Type of Safety Seat Should I Use? (VA Dept Health)
The safety seat used depends on the age, weight and height of the child. Click on this link to view PDF document for specific parameters.
In order for the safety seat to work properly, it must be installed correctly. Follow the manufacturer’s directions closely. Regretfully, nine out of every ten safety seats in use in Virginia have been installed incorrectly.
Car Seat Resources and Tips (VA DMV)
http://www.dmv.state.va.us/webdoc/safety/programs/car_seats/index.asp
Child Passenger Safety (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)
http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/portal/site/nhtsa/menuitem.9f8c7d6359e0e9bbbf30811060008a0c/
Additional Resources:
One-Minute Car Safety Seat Check-up (American Academy of Pediatrics) Click on this link to view PDF document.
2007 Child Safety Seat Ease of Use Ratings (NHTSA) http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cps/cssrating/index.cfm
Child Safety Seat Inspection Station Locator (NHTSA) http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cps/cpsfitting/index.cfm