The American Academy of Pediatrics and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration are both advising parents to keep children in rear-facing car seats until the age of 2. Previously, it was advised that kids could switch to a front-facing seat at the age of 1 (and of adequate weight). This new recommendation is based upon recent evidence from crashes. In addition, both safety groups recommend that children should ride in booster seats until the age of 12 and all children should ride in the back seat of the car until age 13. The evidence from prior crashes has revealed that poorly fitting seat belts are directly linked to serious injuries to the abdomen and the spine.

Most cautious parent drivers properly secure their children in car seats. It is important to know, however, that simply putting the child in a car seat may not be enough to protect the kid in a car accident. As a Missouri and Illinois car crash lawyer, I have seen kids injured as a result of a car crash even when secured in a car seat. For the child’s safety, it is important for the parents to be familiar with the current recommendations of safety officials regarding how to properly secure the child. In most cities, the local fire departments are willing to take a look at the child safety seat installation and offer advice as to proper installation. The car seats have great protection devices but only if used properly.
Rear-facing car seats advised for child’s first 2 years, www.ksdk.com, March 21, 2011.