Greene & Phillips: Child Passenger Safety Week

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - This week is National Child Passenger Safety Week, a time to remind parents and caregivers about the importance of car seats, booster seats, and seat belts. Unfortunately, studies show that nearly half of all car seats are installed incorrectly, and that can make a life-or-death difference in a crash. David Greene from Greene & Phillips Injury Lawyers joined us to talk about child passenger safety.

The following questions and answers were provided by Greene & Phillips:

Why is this issue so important?

Car crashes remain one of the leading causes of death and injury for children. A properly installed car seat reduces the risk of death by as much as 71% for infants and 54% for toddlers. It’s one of the most simple but effective steps parents can take to keep their kids safe.

What are some common mistakes parents make with car seats?

A big one is moving kids to the next stage too early: turning a seat forward-facing before age 2, or switching to a booster before a child is big enough. Another common issue is loose installation; if the seat can move more than an inch side to side, it isn’t tight enough.

Where can parents go to get help making sure their car seats are installed correctly?

Many fire departments, hospitals, and police stations have certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians who will check your seat for free. You can also find inspection stations by visiting NHTSA.gov

If a child is injured in a crash caused by another driver, what should families do?

Get medical attention right away, even if the injury doesn’t seem serious. Then document the accident and speak to an experienced local personal injury lawyer, like the attorneys at Greene & Phillips. Children may face long-term medical needs, and it’s important families are fully protected.

How can people reach you if they need help?

We make it simple, stop by our office at 51 North Florida Street, no appointment necessary. Or call or text us at 251-300-2000, or visit us online at www.greenephillips.com. And if you can’t come to us, we’ll come to you.