How do I know when my child is ready to ride in the car without a booster seat?

 

A: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends that children under the age of 12 use some form of a child safety seat in a vehicle.  However, more importantly than age, is body geometry.  The most important factors to consider when deciding whether to allow your child to sit in the car without a booster seat are height and weight.  This is because during a collision the seatbelt, arguably one of the most important safety devices in the vehicle, can actually act as an injury source to children who are not properly placed in the seatbelt without the aid of a booster seat.  

There are several key factors for which to look to determine if your child is large enough to ride in a vehicle without a booster seat.  First, the lap portion of the seatbelt should lie snugly on your child's thighs, NOT his stomach.  Second, the shoulder harness should sit snugly across his shoulder and chest, NOT his neck and throat.  Third, his knees should act as a fulcrum at the edge of the seat so he does not slouch during the ride.  Generally, this occurs at a height greater than 4' 9" and a weight of greater than 100 pounds; however, every child is different.   A booster seat ensures that all three of the safety factors are present no matter your child's size. 

Even though your child may complain about sitting in a booster seat until he is in Junior High School, his safety is far more important than what other kids think about him.

Call us at 877-307-9500 to speak with a Board Certified Houston Personal Injury Attorney about YOUR case today!