Chicago Car Accident Lawyer Blog

Before hitting the road to enjoy the long holiday weekend, the Illinois State Police is urging families to re-check that child safety seats are properly installed and to remind all passengers to buckle-up.

“Better road trips begin with safety,” said Illinois State Toll Authority Executive Director Kristi Lafleur said. “Seat belts and safety seats for children save countless lives each year. … we are committed to enforcing seat belt laws and working to educate the public on how to properly secure their children to make every trip a safe trip.”

Chicago car accident attorneys with VanPopering Law Offices know that a properly installed car seat and using safety restraints saves lives. Our attorneys have a solid reputation successfully handling claims arising from auto accident cases and are available for a consultation if you or someone you love has been injured or killed in a Chicago car accident.

In 2008, 454 children under age 7 were killed in car accidents nationwide. Of those killed, 152 were unrestrained. Children aged 13-15, who were most likely to not wear a seat belt, saw the highest number of car accident fatalities. Out of 342 fatalities reported, 238 – or 70 percent – were unrestrained. "Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for children 3-14 years old", the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports.

Telling a child to buckle their seat belt takes only a second and buckling up yourself every time you get behind the wheel sets the best example. For more information about child safety seat guidelines, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website.