Unrestrained Children in Car Crashes: A Leading Cause of Fatality

Child Passenger Safety: The Deadly Cost of Non-Restraint

Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for U.S. children under 13. (NHTSA, 2020 data)

Stark Statistics

• 1,260 children killed in 2020.
• 413 (33%) were completely unrestrained.
• Unrestrained children are 70% more likely to die in a crash than properly restrained peers.
• Front-seat passengers 3× more likely to die than back-seat.

Correct Restraint by Age/Size

Stage	Device	Until...
Infant/Toddler	Rear-facing car seat	Max height/weight of seat (min. age 2, ideally 4)
Preschool	Forward-facing with harness	Max height/weight of seat (typically 65 lbs)
School-age	Belt-positioning booster	Seat belt fits properly (usually 4'9", 8–12 yrs)
Older	Lap-shoulder belt	Always in back seat until 13

Key Actions

• Every trip, every time—no exceptions.
• Install correctly (CPST inspection recommended).
• Register seat for recall notices.
• Model seat belt use yourself.

Proper restraint is the single most effective intervention to save children's lives in vehicles.