Child Restraint Facts:

• Motor vehicle crashes remaining the leading cause of death and acquired disability for children under the age of eight (8). Approximately 1.5 million children are passengers in vehicle crashes each year in the United States.
  
  
• The use of devices to restrain children in vehicles has increased significantly since the mid-1990s. Strong enforcement measures, mass media campaigns and community outreach can greatly increase age-appropriate restraint use among children.
  
  
• The restraint of child passengers and their drivers is strongly related. A study published in the journal Pediatrics found that adults who use seat belts are three times more likely to make sure their children are properly restrained.
  
  
• Although 33 states and the District of Columbia have laws requiring booster seat use, only two states, Tennessee and Wisconsin, require their use for children up through eight years of age.
  
  
• Federal and Tennessee State Laws require that all children ages 9 and under to ride in the back seat. Always refer to the child seat and vehicle manufacturers' instructions for proper use and installation.
  
  
• Misuse of child restraint systems crosses all socioeconomic and educational boundaries. Even well-meaning parents can use systems incorrectly. Having a qualified technician check the installation of your child restraint system is an extra measure of safety.
  
  
• Get a tight fit between the child restraint system and the vehicle seat. Put your weight into the child restraint system to compress the vehicle seat while tightening the safety belt as much as possible.
  
  
• Always use the correct child restraint system. Never use pillows, books or towels to boost a child. Doing so can compromise the child's safety.
  
  
• A child in a booster seat should never be allowed to place the shoulder belt behind his/her arm. Doing so could contribute to serious injury or death.
  
  
• All booster seats are required by law to comply with the same safety standards as child safety seats. Your booster seat must have a label stating that it meets federal motor vehicle safety standards.
  
  
• Always follow Tennessee laws on child restraint when transporting children.
  
  
• A belt-positioning booster MUST be used with your car's shoulder and lap belt until the child is tall enough (usually 4'9") for the seat belt to fit properly.
  
  
• Never use a low-back booster when a head rest is not present. You may use a high-back booster when a head rest is not present.
  
  
• Boosters MUST be used with both lap and shoulder belts.
  
  
• Children must ride rear facing until they are at least one (1) year old AND weigh 20 pounds.
  
  
• The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends keeping children rear-facing for the highest weight and height allowed by the car seat manufacturer.
  
  

The Tennessee Department of Safety's mission is (www.tennessee.gov/safety) to ensure the safety and general welfare of the public. The department encompasses the Tennessee Highway Patrol, Office of Homeland Security and Driver License Services. General areas of responsibility include law enforcement, safety education, motorist services and terrorism prevention.