Safety First. For a Safe Ride, Every Ride.

Posted on: September 22, 2025 | Community, Parenting, Safety, Travel

• Did you know that motor vehicle injuries are the leading cause of death among children ages 2 to 14? 43% of the children were improperly restrained.

• Proper car seat usage reduces the risk of fatal injury for infants by 71%

• Seven out of every ten car seats are improperly installed.

• According to Nevada law, children under the age of two who weigh 60 pounds or less and are 57 inches or shorter must be in a child restraint. 

• Children under the age of thirteen are recommended to ride in the back seat.

• Many fire stations do not have certified child passenger technicians on site.

According to NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration), car accidents occur at the rate of one every minute per day. Every ride is a potential danger, and arming yourself with the knowledge of riding safely for you and your family is always the best defense. Properly wearing your seatbelt is an excellent example of safety for your little ones. Children from birth to age ten should be in some form of child safety restraint. Car seats are tested according to the same regulations and can be installed using either a seat belt or the LATCH system. Both ways still leave room for operator error.

The best way to ensure a perfect install is to contact your local Safe Kids Worldwide chapter and find a local Child Passenger Safety Technician. 

If neither is an option, follow the steps in both your car seat manual and your car’s manual for the best proper installation. Installing the LATCH and seat belt are two methods. Using both the LATCH and the seatbelt together is not recommended and does not provide the added security one may think.  Wearing contacts and glasses at the same time is a great example, as neither can fully perform its duties.

One year and 20 pounds is no longer the standard for a rear-facing child. The American Academy of Pediatrics currently recommends that children remain rear-facing for 2 years and for as long as possible, as per the car seat manufacturer’s guidelines, depending on the restraint’s height and weight limits. Rear-facing is the safest way to ride for an infant under the age of 2, and car seats are now designed to accommodate higher weights, supporting this recommendation. Nevada law states that all children under the age of six years, weighing less than 60 pounds, and under 57 inches in height, must be in an appropriate child passenger restraint according to their size and weight. 

A child’s body is not able to withstand the impact of a deployed airbag in the event of an accident. Make the excitement of turning 13 a reward and promotion to the front seat.

Years ago, you could pull up to a fire station and have your car seat checked and installed. Firefighters certifying hours for CPST have been funneled to other training avenues. What are your options? Search for a CPST in your area by searching Safe Kids Worldwide. Vegas Family Doulas has CPSTs for your convenience! Here in Clark County, Safe Kids Clark County offers free car seat checks monthly throughout Las Vegas!

Registering your car seat will help ensure that you are alerted if the seat is ever recalled. A registered car seat is also essential for proof of purchase and ease of notification.

Safety first for a Safe Ride. Every Ride.