Children & Car Accidents In Washington State: The Laws & The Statistics
A recent study has shown that when a child is prematurely moved from a restraint system, such as a car or booster chair, up to an adult seat, greatly increases the risk of harm to children in an auto accident. That is why it is so important to follow the laws of your state when it comes to child safety seats.
Every state, including Washington, requires safety seats for children under the age of 5. Washington State Patrol recommends that children under the age of 1 or who weigh less than 20 lbs. should be restrained in a rear-facing safety seat. Children ages 1 to 4 and weigh 20 to 40 lbs. can sit in a front-facing safety seat. The WSP also recommends, in accordance with the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), that children aged 4 to 8, who are no taller than 4’9” require a booster seat including lap and harness belts.
Make sure that your child restraint system is according to regulation and installed properly in your vehicle. A booster seat is recommended if your child’s legs do not bend at the edge of the seat, or if they do not sit against with their back against the seat. If the seatbelt does not lie across the top of the child’s thighs, the shoulder strap is not centered on shoulder and chest, or if the child cannot stay seated with these conditions throughout the length of the trip, it is a good idea to use a booster chair. Keeping your child comfortable and safe in the car at all times will greatly decrease distraction for you and lessen their chance of injury if you happen to be in a car accident.
Washington law also requires that children shouldn’t sit in the front seat unless there is no other choice. Most children at this age are still smaller than the average adult so to reduce the risk of serious injury, whether from an accident or airbag ejection, it makes sense that children under this age are required to sit in the rear of the vehicle.
Christopher M. Davis is a Seattle attorney focusing on personal injury and car accident cases. He is known for his special focus on cases involving children and has written the the book 'Little Kids, Big Accidents' as a resource for parents of injured children.
