Car accidents are the biggest killer of Oregon children.

The good news: deaths and the severity of injury can be reduced dramatically with the proper use size-appropriate restraints.

Child Car Seats: most people know about these and use them. Make sure seats are installed correctly. Carefully read your seat instructions. Look for free safety checks, and take advantage.

Rear-Facing Child Car Seats. For children under age one, the seats should face the back of the car. It will reduce injury, and it is now the law in Oregon.

Booster Seats: Seat / shoulder belts are made to fit average-sized adults. They do not fit people 4’9” or shorter. Children 4’9” and shorter are safer in booster seats, because it makes the belt systems fit. It is now the law in Oregon.

Put kids in the back seat! That is the safest position. It’s okay to feel like a chauffer. You can save your children injury if you seat them in back.

Position the belts correctly. The lap belt goes over the pelvic bone, not the stomach. Improper belting can cause severe internal injuries. The shoulder belt should be positioned over the collarbone, away from the neck.

I have served on the Oregon Safe Kids Public Policy and Education Committee since 2005. We successfully updated the child restraint laws in 2007, and we continue to work on child safety laws. I serve as away of “give back” and to stay current on child product safety so that I can help my clients.