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Fewer Children In Car And Booster Seats In 2013

Posted at 2:34 PM, Dec 09, 2013
and last updated 2013-12-09 14:34:26-05

car seatLANSING, Mich. – A study shows that children in Michigan could be more at risk for injuries in the car than in the past.

An observation survey by the Wayne State University Transportation Research Group shows that fewer children are riding in car seats and booster seats in the state.

The study reports that the use of both car seats and booster seats is down nearly 2 percent since 2011, according to a press release from the Michigan State Police.

“Babies, toddlers and young children are extremely vulnerable vehicle occupants,” said Michael L. Prince, director of the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning. “It’s essential that children be in the correct seat for their size and that the seat is installed and used properly. Children who move to seat belts too soon risk injuries because the belts don’t fit properly.”

Michigan law requires that children must be properly buckled in a car seat or booster seat until they are either 8-years-old or 4-feet-9 inches tall.

Gov. Rick Snyder’s Michigan’s Strategic Highway Safety Plan provides a network of more than 950 child passenger safety technicians in the state who are available to help parents learn proper use of car seats, booster seats and seat belts.