As a parent, you want to do everything possible to protect your kids from harm. And with car accidents being one of the leading causes of death for children across the U.S., that includes making sure they are in the appropriate seat whenever they are in a vehicle. The guide below offers safety tips. 

A Guide to Texas Car Seat Laws for Children 

Rear-Facing Car Seat 

Infants are particularly vulnerable to sustaining serious injuries in a car accident. Therefore, in Texas, children who are under the age of two or weigh less than 35 pounds must be placed in a rear-facing car seat. Make sure that the straps are snug, with only one finger worth of distance between the restraint and the child’s collarbone.

Forward-Facing Car Seat 

Once your child has outgrown their rear-facing car seat, they can be transferred into a forward-facing one. This typically happens around age two and will last until they turn four or five, depending on the maximum height and weight limits stated on the chair.

Booster Seat 

When your child is at least four years old and weighs more than 40 pounds, they can transition to a booster seat. They should be secured into it with a lap and shoulder belt. This is where they will need to stay until they have reached the age of eight or grown to at least 4 foot 9 inches tall.

Seat Belt 

After your child has met the requirements to sit without a booster seat, they must be properly restrained by a seat belt. All children, including those buckled into a car seat, should continue riding in the backseat until they become a teenager since the force of the airbags deploying during a car accident can cause severe neck and head injuries. Additionally, children are at high risk of being thrown against the dashboard or being struck by an object coming through the windshield. 

Unfortunately, despite taking all the right precautions, car accidents can still lead to injury. If you or your child has been hurt in a collision due to the negligent behavior of another motorist, contact Reed & Terry. With more than 50 years of combined experience, this legal team has helped countless personal injury victims in and around Sugar Land, TX, recover the damages they deserve. Call (281) 491-5000 to schedule a consultation or visit their website for more information on how they will benefit your case.