More children die from traffic crashes each year than from all other causes combined. Children riding in a vehicle need extra protection. When used correctly, a child safety seat or booster seat can reduce the chance of death or serious injury to a child in a traffic crash by as much as 70 percent.

Four steps of child passenger safety

The Ohio Department of Public Safety (ODPS) promotes the four steps of child passenger safety as:

• Step 1—Rear-facing child seats for children from birth to at least 20 pounds and at least one year of age
• Step 2—Forward-facing child seats for children over 20 pounds and at least one year old to about 40 pounds and about age four.
• Step 3—Belt-positioning booster seats until they are at least eight years old, unless they are 4’ 9” tall.
• Step 4—Seat belts for older children large enough for the belt to fit correctly: At least 4’ 9” tall and about 80 pounds.

If you have questions about car seat safety or need you child passenger restraint checked for correct installation:

• Call: 1 (937) 393-3060 or 1 (800) 243-7703