Did you know that automobile crashes are the leading cause of death for children in the United States? That's right: Crashes kill more kids than any other type of injury or disease.

In 2002, motor vehicle crashes killed 1,543 child occupants 14 years and under and injured 263,000 others. That's an average of six children killed and more than 700 injured each day - enough to rank crashes the number one killer of children in the United States.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration - NHTSA - estimates these numbers could be reduced by half if every child passenger was properly buckled up.

·         Safety Seat Selection Guide - Find the right seat for your child's age and weight.

·         Safety Seat Checks - Find a AAA-certified child safety seat technician in your area who can assist you with installing a child safety seat. More than 33,000 technicians and instructors around the country have been certified by AAA.  

·         Can't afford a seat? -Check a list of programs available to help you obtain a safety seat for your child.

Related Links

·         AAA works closely with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on child safety issues. Check out NHTSA's Web site for more guidelines and information about child passenger safety.

·         NHTSA's 2005 Child Safety Seat Ease of Use Ratings

·         The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety is a not-for-profit, publicly supported charitable educational and research organization dedicated to saving lives and reducing injuries by preventing traffic crashes. Check their Web site for more information about child safety and other issues.

AAA Publications

·         Buying a Safer Car for Child Passengers - child safety features and vehicle ratings

·         Safe Passage - information on choosing and installing seats

·         Fragile, Transport Safely - AAA guide to child safety seats

·         Seated for Safety: A Guide for Parents on the Go

AAA also includes child passenger safety information in its New Car & Truck Buying Guide, available through your local club or in retail bookstores.

For more information, contact your local AAA club.