CHILD SAFETY & PROTECTION

Car Safety Tips

A child safety seat may not protect your child in a crash if it isn't used correctly and installed properly in your vehicle. Take a minute to check to be sure...

Washington State Child Passenger Restraint Law dictates:

• Children under 13 years old are to be transported in the back seat where it is practical to do so.
• Children up to their 8th birthday, unless they are 4'9" tall (whichever comes first), must use a child restraint.
• The restraint system must be used correctly according to the car seat AND vehicle manufacturer's instructions.
• Vehicles equipped with lap-only seat belts are exempt from the requirements to use a booster seat for a child weighing more than 40 pounds.
• Children 8 years of age or at least 4'9" who wear a seat belt MUST use it correctly (never under the arm or behind the back) or continue to use a child restraint.
• Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and guidelines for both the child restraint and the vehicle.

Keeping kids safe is more than a law. Recommendations from research can be found on the following link:

• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) of the U.S. Department of Transportation.