This week, September 19 - 25, is Child Passenger Safety Week
 
Car crashes are the leading cause of death for children between the ages of 3 and 14. However, an estimated 8,959 lives were saved by child safety seats from 1975 to 2008.
 
In 2006, 54 children age 0-14 died and over 11,000 were injured in Georgia car crashes. One-third of these children were not buckled up.  Others were buckled up incorrectly.
 
It is estimated that four out of five car seats are either installed improperly or being used incorrectly in some way. An improperly installed car seat, or one that is not being used correctly, may not work as intended in a crash.
 
During the 2010 Child Passenger Safety Week, parents and caregivers are urged to verify that their child safety seats are properly installed and being used correctly.
 
Low income parents in 125 Georgia counties can receive a free car seat through Georgia's Child Occupant Safety Programs. Contact your county Department of Health.
 
To locate a Child Passenger Safety Technician near you, click here.
 
To learn more about the correct child safety seat for your child, click here.
 
Atlanta car crash attorney Shane Smith urges parents to check that your child’s car seat is correctly and safely installed.  A quick appointment could potentially save your child’s life.
 
For more information about car crashes in Georgia, download our free book “10 Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Georgia Wreck Case.”  If you need help after an Atlanta car accident, call Shane Smith Law at 770-HURT-999.