5.8. Protecting Children

All Children 5 Years Of Age Or Younger Must Use A Restraint Device When Riding In A Motor Vehicle.

The number one killer of young children in the United States is traffic crashes in which children were not restrained at all. Over 90 percent of the deaths and 80 percent of the injuries in car crashes could be prevented by using crash-tested child restraints. Children should be secured in the rear seat. Never secure a child in the front passenger side, especially if your vehicle has an air bag. The law requires every driver to properly secure children five years of age or younger in child restraint devices riding in a passenger car, van, or pick-up truck, regardless of whether the vehicle is registered in this state. Infant carriers or children's car seats must be used for children up to three years of age and younger. For children aged 4 through 5 years, a separate carrier, an integrated child seat or a seat belt may be used. All infant carriers and car seats must be crash-tested and approved by the U.S. Government. Children being carried or riding bicycles should wear properly fitted bicycle helmets.

5.8.1 - What is the Best Child Seat?

• The one that fits your child.
• The one that fits your vehicle.
• The one that you will use correctly every time.

For more information on the best child seat, please visit: www.fhp.state.fl.us/CPS and obtain information on Occupant Protection & Child Passenger Safety News.

5.8.2 - Leaving Children Unattended or Unsupervised in Motor Vehicles

Do not leave children unattended or unsupervised in a motor vehicle and never leave a child unattended for any period of time if the motor vehicle is running or if the health of the child is in danger.

WARNING: WHEN IT'S HOT OUTSIDE, DO NOT LEAVE CHILDREN UNATTENDED!

On a hot summer day, the interior of a car can get dangerously hot. One study found that with the windows up and the temperature outside at 94 degrees, the inside of a car could be 122 degrees in just half an hour, or 132 degrees after an hour.

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