LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — A new AAA analysis of nationwide and Nevada crash data found child safety seat and booster seat use declines sharply with age, starting when children are 3 years old.
Between 2020 and 2024, 78% of 3-year-olds injured in car crashes were riding in a child safety seat or booster seat. By age 6, less than half, 45%, were.
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New data from the National Digital Car Seat Check Form found that 87% of children evaluated during child safety seat inspections in 2025 had transitioned to an adult seat belt too soon.
Child Passenger Safety Technicians identified the most common car seat issues in Nevada, and what parents should be checking:
- Whether a seat belt fits properly when children are riding in a booster seat or seat belt alone.
- Whether the car seat harness is snug enough on the child.
- Whether the car seat is installed tight enough on vehicle seats when using a seat belt for installation.
Car crashes remain a leading cause of death for children. Between 2020 and 2024, over 3.7 million children were involved in crashes nationwide. During that period, over 500,000 children were injured and more than 2,800 were killed in car crashes.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, car seats reduce the risk of fatal injury by 71% for infants and 54% for toddlers.
“As children develop and grow, it is vital to take proper steps to ensure their safety at every age,” said Angela Brown, Senior Director of Driver Safety Training at the National Safety Council. “Children ages 10 to 12 may appear ready for an adult seat belt, but many still need booster seats to ensure the seat belt fits properly and safely. Parents and caregivers can schedule a free visit with a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician in their area or online to make sure their child’s restraint system is right for their size and developmental needs.”
AAA shared the following tips to keep children safe:
- Keep children in the right restraint for their age, height and weight. Don’t rush the transition to the next stage.
- Use the top tether strap whenever possible on forward-facing car seats.
- Make sure the harness is snug enough that you cannot pinch excess webbing at the child’s shoulder.
- No matter a child’s age, take them to visit a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician, especially whenever changing vehicles, installing a new seat, or moving to the next stage.
For more information, visit aaa.com/carseats.
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