Safety on Wisconsin's roads is the responsibility of everyone who is on them. This means that drivers should do everything in their power to keep themselves safe including driving at a safe speed, following traffic signals and keeping attention on the road. This also entails wearing a seat belt. Where children are concerned, proper child restraints should be used. For children of a certain age, weight and height, this is accomplished through the use of a booster seat.
Booster seats are designed to position children--usually between the ages of 4 and 8--in a way that ensures the car's seat belt fits properly. The shoulder belt should be positioned in the middle of a child's shoulder. The lap belt should fall upon the upper thigh. Seat belts positioned in this manner could reduce the severity of injuries suffered in a collision, should it occur. According to research, the use of a good seat reduces the risk of a child, between the ages of 4 and 8, being hurt in a crash, by 45 percent.
Each year, booster seats available to consumers for purchase are rated. This year, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reports that a record number of new models--27 out of 41--earned a "best bet" rating. This is undoubtedly good news for those whose children require use of the seats.
Even when a driver follows the rules of the road it is possible that he or she could be involved in a car accident. It is possible that the accident could result in serious injuries to those involved--even when proper restraints are being used. In situations where a crash is the result of negligent actions on the part of another person, a personal injury lawsuit could result in compensation to help cover the expenses that accrue related to the medical treatment necessary to address those injuries.
Source: CBS New York, "New Ratings Out For Best Children's Car Booster Seats," Nov. 6, 2014