Car crashes are one of the leading causes of injury for children in the United States. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), motor vehicle crashes killed more than 600 children and injured over 63,000 others in a recent year.
Studies consistently show that properly installed car seats dramatically improve safety outcomes for children. That’s why Illinois has car seat laws to ensure that children are restrained in the proper seat based on their size and age.
Types of Child Safety Seats
Safety experts, including the CDC, recommend several stages of restraints as children grow. These seats offer the most protection in the event of a car accident.
Rear-Facing Car Seats
Rear-facing car seats are designed for infants and toddlers. In this position, the child faces the back of the vehicle, which helps protect the neck and spine during a collision. Children should remain in a rear-facing seat from birth until they reach the height or weight limit established by the seat manufacturer, typically around age two.
Forward-Facing Car Seats
Once a child outgrows a rear-facing seat, they transition to a forward-facing seat equipped with a harness system. These seats include a structured back and a five-point harness that keeps the child securely positioned during a crash. Children often remain in this stage for several years until they become large enough for a booster seat.
Booster Seats
Booster seats elevate the child so that the vehicle’s seat belt fits properly across the body. Without a booster seat, the belt may sit across the neck or stomach rather than the chest and hips. Children typically use booster seats until they are tall enough for a standard seat belt to fit safely.
Illinois Child Car Seat Requirements
Illinois law generally aligns with the safety guidelines mentioned above and requires drivers to use age-appropriate restraints for children riding in vehicles.
The Illinois Child Passenger Protection Act has several requirements:
- Rear-facing seats are required for children under two years old unless the child exceeds 40 pounds or 40 inches in height.
- Forward-facing seats or booster seats must be used for children until at least age eight.
- Seatbelts must be worn once children age out of car seats.
These requirements are intended to protect children from the severe forces involved in a car crash. When a child is not properly restrained, they may be thrown forward or even ejected from the vehicle. These scenarios greatly increase the risk of traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and other life-altering injuries.
Contact an Illinois Car Accident Lawyer for Help After a Crash
Illinois law provides important protection for injured children. A driver who causes a crash generally cannot avoid liability by arguing that a child passenger was not properly restrained. In other words, the negligent driver may still be held responsible for the injuries caused by the accident.
If your child was injured in a car accident, you may have options for recovering compensation for their injuries and emotional distress. Contact Feagans Law Group to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case.