Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for children in the United States. Car seats and boosters provide protection in a crash. That’s why it’s so important to choose the right car seat and use it correctly every time you ride. Buckling up is the most important thing that you can do to protect yourself in a car crash. Your chances of survival in a crash increase to 60 percent when you use your seat belt. Your seat belt is also the best defense against impaired, aggressive and distracted drivers. Make sure children are secure in a restraint seat that is properly fit for their age and size.

Child Passenger Safety Laws

• Maryland’s current law requires that children under eight years old to ride in an appropriate child restraint, unless the child is 4’9″ or taller.
• Every child from 8 to 16 years old who is not secured in a child restraint must be secured in the vehicle’s seat belt, in every sitting position in the vehicle.
• This law is applicable to in-State and out-of-State vehicles.
• It is the driver’s responsibility for making sure all children are correctly buckled up.

• SafeKids.org
• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration