Child Passenger Safety in Missouri

Every year, a number of Missourians get injured or killed in car accidents. The most unfortunate of the car victims are the children who lose their life because of the negligence of an adult. In spite of the efforts made by law makers and agencies to educate people about child safety, car accidents remain a leading cause death among the youth population of the United States. Even though technology has advanced, and we now have much safer automobiles and restraint systems, many children still get killed in car accidents in Missouri.

St. Louis car accident lawyers believe that technology alone cannot save the children. It is important that the parents use adequate precaution and use the restraint system properly in order to prevent child passenger injuries and deaths. In this post, we will look at some facts relating to child passenger safety, some common risk factors for child passenger fatalities, and some tips on preventing child passenger deaths in motor vehicle accidents.

Child Passenger Safety Statistics

According to the most recent data available, in 2011, more than 650 children under the age of 12 were killed in auto accidents. As many as 150, 000 child passengers were seriously injured during the same period. In Missouri alone, more than a 100 children are killed in traffic related accidents. According to Center for Disease Control, around 600,000 kids have, at one time, been in a vechicle without an appropriate seat belt. In more than a third of child fatality cases, the child was not buckled up properly.

Child Passenger Fatality - Risk factors

According to statistics available, older children (in the age group of 8-12 years) were less likely to use a proper restraint system. Not surprisingly, children riding with an adult who was a drunk driver were very likely to get injured or killed in a car accident. Also, children of parents who do not wear seatbelts were less likely to be restrained in safety devices.

Tips for Preventing Child Passenger Injuries and Fatalities

Parent education on the importance of use of car seats and proper use of restraint systems can go a long way in preventing child injuries and deaths in car accidents. Using appropriate car seat for the child's age and size, and its proper installation are important to ensure child's safety.

If your child was injured or killed in a car accident caused by the negligence of another driver, contact a St. Louis car accident attorney at The Hoffmann Law Firm, L.L.C. to discuss your legal options, and seek compensation for the losses you have suffered. We can work to get your family the compensation it deserves. Call (314) 361-4242 to schedule a free consultation.