We have become so used to driving as a part of everyday life that we can and do take our safety for granted.
  But what about the safety of our children?  It's up to us to protect them as much as possible.
  You might think that your child is safe but you'd be surprised how many children are injured or killed even when they are in car seats! You Can Protect Your Children Out of the 42,643 deaths from auto collisions in 2003, five percent of those were children up to fourteen years of age.
  That's 2,132 children who will never grow up or have children of their own.
Many of these deaths were preventable!  There are still parents who don't realize that child restraint devices can save their children from injury or death.
  The placement of the child in the car is also a contributing factor in accidents.
  Always put your children in the back seat of your vehicle if at all possible.
  This puts more distance between them and anything that collides with the front of your car.
  Even a couple of feet can make a big difference.
  The airbags in the front seats of cars can cause serious injuries or death when they inflate; when an airbag is deployed it is actually exploded by a chemical reaction and the effects on a small child or adolescent are very like the force of a small bomb.
Preventive Measures Take Only a Moment Children are also injured or killed when their car seats and booster seats aren't properly installed.
  Follow the instructions carefully when installing the seat.
  If you have any doubts or you would just like your work checked, visit any fire station and they will be more than happy to have a look and make any corrections necessary.
  They would rather take a few moments to help you than have to transport your child to the hospital! If your child has outgrown their car seat, it's time for a booster seat.
  These devices boost the child up to a suitable height for a seat belt.
  If the child does not have a booster seat and you are involved in a crash, the restraint could actually injure or break their neck because it is crossing their body at the wrong place.
  They can also slip past the cross belt altogether and be thrown forward hard enough to break their hips and legs on the lap belt.
  All these injuries can be avoided with the use of an inexpensive booster seat! Train your children from birth to think of car restraints as a natural part of traveling.
  Wear your own seat restraints every single time, even if you're driving less than a mile to your destination.
  Be sure that your car is never started or moved without everyone being safely restrained so that it becomes second nature for your child and for you.
  Have A Safe Trip! Be sure your children have plenty to keep them occupied so that they don't distract you.
  Properly used restraints, movies, alphabet games, puzzles and other activities will keep everyone happy and safe!