New research published in the journal Pediatrics confirms what earlier studies have suggested: that using a booster seat can significantly improve child safety and reduce the likelihood of crash injuries in children between the ages of four and eight.
The new study, which looked at insurance claim data on auto accidents involving kids in 15 states and Washington, D.C., over a nine-year-period from 1998 to 2007, found that kids in seat belt-positioning booster seats were 45 percent less likely to be injured in a car crash than were the kids using standard car seat belts.
The researchers interviewed tens of thousands of parents or drivers in crashes in which kids were involved. The biggest benefit was seen in side-impact crashes, where the risk of injury from far-side crashes was reduced by a whopping 82 percent and the likelihood of injuries from near-side crashes was cut by 68 percent for kids who were in booster car seats. Injury rates for high-back and backless booster seats were similar.
Laws for booster car seat use vary from state to state. But the study authors suggest that doctors continue to recommend the use of boosters for kids until they are at least eight years of age or achieve a height of 4’ 9”.
Source: Healthcommunities
I agree that young kids should use a booster seat, but at the age of eight is a bit old. I would think seat belts would have the same effect for an eight year old. What do you think Dr. Moulas?
ReplyDeleteCandy,
ReplyDeleteI think you are right! Maybe we should become better drivers?? I wish I had a car seat business.
Thank you,
Dr. Bob Moulas