Car Seat Injuries: Protecting Children From Savannah To Atlanta

Car seats are designed to keep children safe, but when used incorrectly or in poor condition, they can lead to devastating injuries. In Georgia, particularly in busy metro areas like Savannah and Atlanta, ensuring your child is properly restrained in a car seat is critical to reducing injuries and fatalities. With thousands of child passengers involved in crashes every year, parents and caregivers must be aware of the risks and best practices for child passenger safety.

The Alarming Statistics on Car Seat Injuries

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), an estimated 162,298 children were injured in car crashes in 2021, a 17% increase from the previous year. Even more concerning, an average of three children are killed every day in vehicle crashes across the U.S..

Here in Georgia, child passenger injuries are a growing concern. In 2021, 47 child fatalities occurred in the state due to vehicle crashes. Many of these deaths could have been prevented with proper car seat use. Nationally, around 40% of children killed in vehicle crashes were unrestrained at the time of impact.

Common Causes of Car Seat Injuries

Car seat injuries happen for several reasons, but the most common include:

Incorrect Installation – Studies show that up to 46% of car seats are installed incorrectly, which significantly reduces their effectiveness in a crash.
Children Being Moved to Seat Belts Too Soon – Many parents transition their child to a booster seat or seat belt before they are physically ready, putting them at risk of serious injury.
Expired or Damaged Car Seats – Over time, car seats degrade. Using an old or second-hand car seat that has been in a prior accident can compromise safety.
Not Using the Car Seat for Every Ride – Short trips can seem harmless, but data shows that a large percentage of crashes happen close to home.
Loose Harness Straps or Incorrect Buckle Positioning – A car seat is only effective if the harness is snug and correctly positioned.

Georgia’s Car Seat Laws: What Parents Need to Know

Georgia has specific laws designed to keep children safe in vehicles:

Children under 8 years old must be secured in a car seat or booster seat appropriate for their age, weight, and height.
Children must ride in the back seat until they are at least 8 years old.
Booster seats must be used until a child is at least 4’9″ tall.
Failure to comply can result in fines and points on your driving record.

Parents in Savannah, Atlanta, and surrounding areas should ensure they meet these requirements to avoid legal penalties and, more importantly, to keep their children safe.

Preventing Car Seat Injuries: Best Practices for Georgia Parents

To minimize the risk of injury, follow these key safety recommendations:

✅ Ensure Proper Installation

Visit a Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) to have your car seat checked. Many police stations and fire departments in Savannah and Atlanta offer free inspections.
Always follow both the car seat manual and your vehicle’s owner’s manual when installing the seat.

✅ Use the Right Seat for Your Child’s Age and Weight

Rear-facing seats: For newborns and toddlers (recommended up to age 2+).
Forward-facing seats: Once children outgrow rear-facing seats (typically around age 2-4).
Booster seats: Used for children until they reach 4’9” and can safely use a seat belt.

✅ Buckle Up Correctly Every Time

Straps should be snug with no slack.
The chest clip should be at armpit level.
Avoid bulky jackets that can create dangerous slack in the harness.

✅ Replace Old or Damaged Car Seats

Car seats have expiration dates (usually 6-10 years).
If a car seat has been in an accident, it should be replaced immediately.

✅ Never Leave Children Unattended in a Car Seat

Car seats are only designed for vehicle use. Using them outside of the car (such as for sleeping or feeding) can lead to suffocation risks.

What to Do if Your Child is Injured in a Car Seat in Georgia

Even with the best precautions, accidents happen. If your child has been injured due to a defective car seat, a negligent driver, or improper installation, you may have legal options.

At Jarrett & Price, we understand how devastating child injuries can be. If your child was injured in a car crash in Savannah, Atlanta, or anywhere in Georgia, contact us today for a free consultation. We will investigate the details of your case and help you pursue the compensation your family deserves.

Final Thoughts

Child passenger safety is a serious issue in Georgia, especially in high-traffic areas like Atlanta and Savannah. By staying informed, using the correct car seat, and following best safety practices, you can significantly reduce your child’s risk of injury in a crash.

For legal help after a car accident involving your child, contact Jarrett & Price today. Your family’s safety is our top priority.

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