Road Wise Passenger Safety Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service in cooperation with Texas Department of Transportation ABC’s on Child Safety Seats Educational programs of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service are open to all people without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, genetic information or veteran status. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating.

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension ServicePassenger Safety What’s the Problem? Motor Vehicle Crashes (MVC) are the leading cause of death for children. Nearly half of children killed in motor vehicle crashes were unrestrained.

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension ServicePassenger Safety Your vehicle owner’s manual Child safety seat instruction booklet Two Important Tools

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension ServicePassenger Safety Rear-facing Seats Forward-facing Seats with Harnesses Booster Seats Seat Belts Four Steps

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension ServicePassenger Safety American Academy of Pediatrics recommends keeping children rear-facing until age two or to the weight and height limit of their seat Rear-facing children are five times safer than forward-facing children Rear-facing Seats

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension ServicePassenger Safety Rear-facing Infant Only Use ONLY rear-facing. Most go 5-22 pounds. Several start at birth or 4 pounds. Many go up to 30 or 35 pounds. Rear-facing Convertible Seat Convertible seats can be rear-facing or forward-facing. When rear-facing, most go 5-35 pounds. Many go 5-40 pounds. Some go to 45 pounds. Types of Rear-facing Seats

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension ServicePassenger Safety Children can be forward-facing when they have outgrown the limit of their rear-facing seat. This is usually at age two or older. Children under 40 pounds are best protected in a 5-point harness. Forward-facing

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension ServicePassenger Safety Forward-facing Convertible Seat When forward-facing, convertible seats go 40 pounds. Many go to higher weights, up to 80 pounds. Combination Seat or Booster with Harness Booster with removable harness. Most combination seats go to 40 pounds. Many go to higher weights. One goes to 90 pounds. Becomes booster when harness is removed. Types of Forward-facing Seats

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension ServicePassenger Safety Rear-facing  Harness straps at or below shoulders Forward-facing  Harness straps at or above shoulders Harness Slots

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension ServicePassenger Safety Retainer Clip Place at level, armpit to armpit Holds straps in position Retainer Clip

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension ServicePassenger Safety Harness Straps Snug Straps must be snug Not able to pinch any of webbing on harness

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension ServicePassenger Safety Booster Seats Booster seats are for children who are at least 4 years old and 40 pounds. Children need to be mature enough to stay in place in the booster seat. Children should ride in booster seats until they fit the seat belt system – usually at 4’9’’ tall.

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension ServicePassenger Safety Seat Belts Children are ready for seat belts when: –The lap belt fits low on the hips and not across the abdomen. –The shoulder belt fits across the middle of the shoulder and flat across the chest. This is usually when they reach age 8-12.

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension ServicePassenger Safety What is the safest way for your child to travel? Best Practice

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension ServicePassenger Safety Air Bags: What are they good for? NEVER place a rear-facing seat in front of an active air bag!

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension ServicePassenger Safety Pointers for Happy Children in Safety Seats Start early Be consistent Use words Model good behavior Boredom monster Be firm Clue in grandparents Be comforting

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension ServicePassenger Safety Use soft toys and books in the car. Loose items will become projectiles in a crash. Keeping Children Safe in Vehicle

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension ServicePassenger Safety Be Safe - Get a Free Inspection Most seats are used incorrectly. Locate a certified technician near you. To schedule a free inspection, go to:

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension ServicePassenger Safety The ABC’s on Child Safety Seats