Every child is a precious gift. It is tragic for a child to be injured or killed in a motor vehicle crash.

But the facts still remain…motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death and injury to young children.

If children are not properly restrained while traveling in a motor vehicle, they do not have a fair chance if the vehicle swerves sharply, makes a sudden stop or is in a collision.

When transporting a child in a motor vehicle, Florida law requires that you must properly use a child restraint system conforming to applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards…it could mean your child's life.

This section will help you understand some child restraint basics and guide you in protecting your children every time you travel in a vehicle.

Four Essential Steps For Protecting Children In Motor Vehicles:

	Step 1: Use rear-facing child seats for children from birth to at least 20 pounds and at least one year of age.
	Step 2: Use forward facing child seats for children over 20 pounds and at least one year old to about 40 pounds and about age four.
	Step 3: Use belt-positioning booster sats fro children from about 40 pounds to about 80 pounds and 4'9".
	Step 4: Use safety belts for older children large enough for the belt to fit correctly: at least 4'9" tall and about 80 pounds.

All children age 12 and under should ride properly restrained in the back seat!