Alaskan parents may be unaware that the National Center for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) lists car accidents as the leading cause of death for children. Many of these deaths are preventable with the proper use of car seats or seat belts. Sadly, parents often use the wrong type of car seat or do not use car restraints properly.
Alaskan Regulations On Seat Belts and Car Seats
The State of Alaska (SOA) regulates seat belt and child seat/ car seat use for children. For example:
- Infants 1-year-old or younger must be in a rear-facing child seat.
- Toddlers 4 years or younger must use a child restraint.
- Children between 4 to 15 years of age or shorter than 57 inches must use a booster seat.
The SOA does not require children to use back seats only. Alaskan regulation does require that car seats or restraints must be in place and used properly.
Failure to Follow the Regulations
The CDC found that 72 percent of booster seats in vehicles were installed or used improperly. Errors during installation and use could cause harm to a child in a motor vehicle crash. Absent a crash,
Even when car seats or child restraint system are used properly, a car accident may cause serious injuries to the child. When a child is injured in a motor vehicle crash, the child’s family should file a claim. They may also need to file a personal injury lawsuit. When filing a claim or facing litigation, families benefit through speaking with an experienced personal injury attorney. A good personal injury attorney protects the child’s rights. When you need guidance through a claim or litigation, contact Merdes Law Office, P.C. and meet with our highly experienced Alaska personal injury attorney to discuss your case: 907.452.5400 or visit www.merdes.com. And while we hope you never need us… We’re here if you do.
