National Child Passenger Safety Week is Sept. 12-18

The Missouri State Highway Patrol joins the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the Ad Council, and other safety advocates to commemorate National Child Passenger Safety Week, Sept. 12-18.

"Troopers investigate traffic crashes every day. Nothing is as sad as a traffic crash that includes a child being hurt or killed. Child safety seats protect children," an MSHP press release said.

Missouri law states:

* Children less than 4 years old are required to use an appropriate child passenger restraint system.

* Children less than 40 pounds, regardless of age, must be secured in a child passenger restraint system appropriate for the child.

* Children ages 4 to 8 who weigh at least 40 pounds, but less than 80 pounds, and are under 4'9" tall, must be secured in a child passenger restraint system or booster seat appropriate for that child.

* Children ages 8 through 15 must wear seat belts regardless of the type of vehicle in which they are riding or where they are seated.

* Persons less than 18 years of age operating or riding in trucks must wear seat belts.

* No person under age 18 is allowed to ride in the unenclosed bed of a truck on lettered highways, federal, state maintained highways, and within city limits. There are exemptions for agricultural purposes, special events, and parades.

* It is the driver's responsibility to ensure passengers under the age of 16 are buckled up safely. Those 16 and older are responsible for themselves.

There are many styles of child safety seats. Infant seats are designed for children up to 22-30 pounds depending on the manufacturer, and should be placed into a vehicle so the infant faces rearward in a semi-reclined position. Rear-facing infant seats should NOT be used in a front passenger seat equipped with an air bag. If deployed, an air bag could hit the infant seat and injure or kill the baby.

Most convertible child safety seats are designed for children up to 40 pounds. There are a few convertible seats with weight limits up to 65 pounds for larger children.

Like all seats, they have manufacturer's labels on the side. They recline and face rearward in an infant position, and convert to sit upright and face forward for the toddler position. Most newer convertible seats can hold children who weigh up to 35 pounds in the rear-facing position. The NHTSA recommends a child be a minimum of 1 year of age and at least 20 pounds before they can be turned around.

Booster seats are designed for children who have outgrown other safety seats and can be used with an adult lap and shoulder belt. Lap/shoulder belts are designed for children age 8 or 80 or more pounds. Make sure the lap belt stays low and snug across the hips, and the shoulder belt does not cross the face or front of the neck.

For more information, visit www.nhtsa.com.