In the state of Georgia, road accidents are unfortunately common, and they are a leading cause of injuries and deaths for young kids aged 1-12 years. Failing to incorporate car seats or using them improperly is a huge contributor to this issue. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that 4/10 children under 6 years, who are injured or die in car accidents were unrestrained or not incorrectly restrained. If you need to file a lawsuit due to a car accident, you should consult a Georgia car accident lawyer.
The Age and Weight for Using a Car Seat
Georgia car seat laws stipulate that children aged 8 years and below should sit in a car seat or a booster seat that compliments their age and height. The kids need to be in the backseat to protect them from the force of an airbag. However, if the vehicle does not have a back seat (e.g. in the case of a truck) or if there are other restrained children in the back seat, the law allows a child under 8 years of age to ride in the front if he/she is restrained in the correct car seat or booster seat and has a weight of 40 pounds or more. If you need more clarification on this law you should consult a Georgia car accident lawyer.
Not Putting Kids in the Front
All kids under the age of eight who have a height of below 57 inches are mandated by law to ride in the backseat of a vehicle. They will be safer at the back and far away from the force impacted by an airbag in the event of a crash. Airbags are made for saving adults, and because they deploy with immense force they can be fatal to young children. A Georgia car accident attorney can help to understand the technicalities of this law.
Using Proper Equipment
Child safety seats which have the 5-point harness are considered the safest as they restrain the child’s entire body rather than just the neck and shoulder region. The car seat needs to fit your child and your car; therefore you should bring your kid with you when purchasing a car seat to measure the size and comfort level. Moreover, a good child safety seat needs to be durable, easy to install, and easy to clean. To know more about this law you should consult a Georgia car accident attorney.
Accidents are very unfortunate occurrences that lead to fatal injuries. In the event that you need to file a lawsuit against an at-fault motorist who caused a car accident that led to injuries, fatalities or property damage, you need to consult a Atlanta car accident lawyer. The Law Office of James T. Ponton, LLC in Atlanta, Georgia is knowledgeable on Georgia traffic laws, therefore they can help you in a lawsuit.