Are you and your child passengers properly restrained while driving?

Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death among children ages 3 to 14 in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). An average of 5 children age 14 and younger were killed and 568 injured in motor vehicle crashes each day across the United States in 2005. Even a sudden stop can seriously injure a child who is not riding securely in the right type of child safety seat.

State and local police and others involved in child passenger safety (CPS) work continously to educate parents and caregivers on how to safely transport children in motor vehicles. They are also ready to enforce the Massachusetts CPS Law if necessary to protect children. In 2006 Massachusetts drivers were issued 1,060 CPS Law violations for unrestrained children.

Tips for "best practices" when driving with children as passengers:

  • Children should be in rear-facing infant seats from birth to 1 year AND until they are more than 20 pounds.
  • Children 1 to 4 years and 20 to 40 pounds should ride in a forward-facing child seat.
  • Children who have outgrown a child safety seat, typically when they are over 40 pounds or 5 years of age, should transition to a booster seat which assists in the proper fit of a safety belt.
  • Children All children must be in a federally approved child passenger restraint that is properly fastened and secured until they are 8 years old OR over 57" tall.
  • Children 12 and younger should never sit in the front seat. The safest seating position is in the back seat, away from air bags if possible.
  • Children 13 years of age or older should ride in the front seat, but should position their seat as fa back as possible from the air bag.
  • Always wear your lap and shoulder belt when driving -- it protects you in case of a crash and it sets a good example for children.


To schedule an appointment with the Dover Police CPS technician, call Officer Cash at 508-785-1130, or click here to email him.