Blog
Firm News

According to TXDOT, almost 70% of child safety seats are misused

Proper buckling of children’s safety seats is important in ensuring the protection of young children in Texas car accidents. Did you know that car accidents are a leading cause of death among children? The Texas Department of Transportation is joining safety campaigners across Texas to remind parents of the importance of buckling up their children and avoiding common mistakes like failing to choose the appropriate safety seats for child’s age and size and failing to install it correctly.

TXDOT is urging parents as part of its “Save Me with a Seat” campaign to register for a free safety seat assessment at any of their district offices located all over Texas.

According to the Texas Department of Transportation Executive Director James Bass, the department wants to help parents prevent the kind of tragedy no family should have to endure. That is why they are making a special push this month to encourage parents and caregivers to have one of their certified technicians verify that parents are not only using the right seat for their child but also that it is properly installed.

Car accidents, injuries, and young children

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) findings show that child safety seats in cars reduce the risk of serious injury by 71 percent for newborns and by 54 percent for little children. Also according to NHTSA, 2 out of 3 safety seats are not buckled correctly. In Texas, in 2017:

  • 73 children under the age of 8 died in traffic crashes, and 408 were seriously injured.
  • 30 children ages 8 to 12 were killed, and 411 were seriously injured.

To minimize the impact of crashes on children, TxDOT advises parents that all children under age 13 should be properly secured with a seat belt or safety seat.

TXDOT Safety Events – September 2018

TxDOT is partnering with Build-A-Bear® to hold safety events at shopping malls in five cities in Texas.

 

While experts are conducting safety seat demonstrations and answering parents’ questions about correct safety seat use, Build-A-Bear® will engage children by providing them with hands-on activities.

According to kicker, the “Save Me with a Seat” safety event is scheduled to hold at North East Mall in Hurst on Sept. 1, Richland Mall in Waco on Sept. 5, Sunrise Mall in Brownsville on Sept. 8, La Palmera Mall in Corpus Christi on Sept. 15 and Katy Mills Mall in Katy on Sept. 22.

Free safety seat inspections by TxDOT Traffic Safety Specialist are also available at the nearest TxDOT district office on weekdays throughout the year and should take less than 30 minutes.

Speak to a personal injury lawyer now

If your child has been injured in a car accident in Corpus Christi, car accident in Dallas, or anywhere else in Texas, speak to a personal injury lawyer in Corpus Christi or a personal injury lawyer in Dallas to understand your rights. Speak to Corpus Christi car accident attorney Minesh J. Patel at The Patel Firm PLLC, A Texas Personal Injury Law Firm with injury law offices in Dallas and Corpus Christi.  Minesh J. Patel is a car accident lawyer in Corpus Christi that represents children and their families who are victims of personal injury after a Texas car accident, Texas truck accident, or Texas 18-wheeler accident. From the moment you call our personal injury office in Corpus Christi or Dallas, we will fight for you.

For legal representation after a Corpus Christi car accident or Dallas car accident, contact The Patel Firm PLLC to get you the justice you deserve. Speak to a car accident attorney in Corpus Christi, or a car accident attorney in Dallas today to discuss your options. You can call, text, or email the firm at any time. 24/7/365, someone at The Patel Firm PLLC is ready and waiting to speak with you. Reach out to us today at (361) 400-2036.