Next Week Is Child Passenger Safety Week in Missouri

Did you know that motor vehicle collisions are the leading cause of accidental deaths among children in the United States today? Last year in Missouri, 17 children died as the result of traffic accidents and another 1,578 suffered auto accident injuries.
To help bring attention to this issue and educate the public about what we can do to protect children in vehicles, the Missouri State Highway Patrol and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration have declared Sept. 13-19 Child Passenger Safety Week.
According to The Rolla Daily News, law enforcement officials will be watching for drivers in violation of the state’s child restraint laws, which require all children under age 8 to be seated in child safety or booster seats while vehicles are in motion. A child may only use a seat belt as a restraining device if they weigh more than 80 pounds and stand taller than 4 feet 9 inches.
While many parents and caregivers may use child safety and booster seats, their young ones may still be at risk of harm. That’s because almost three-quarters of all child restraint devices are installed or used incorrectly.
The St. Louis car accident lawyers at Cofman Townsley Injury Lawyers say it’s important to have your child’s safety or booster seat inspected and installed by a professional. You can find the inspection station nearest you by contacting Missouri State Highway Patrol Headquarters at (573) 368-2345 or by viewing www.seatcheck.org.