Illinois readers might be surprised by a recent statistic from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. According to NHTSA data, motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of death for American children ages 12 and under. In Illinois alone, fatal car accidents took the lives of 36 minors in 2011.
Unfortunately, some of those deaths may have been preventable, had a child safety seat been properly installed. According to authorities, Illinois parent might incorrectly install as many as 80 percent of child safety seats currently being used.
To help counteract this issue, a local Illinois police district is sponsoring a safety event throughout Northern Illinois. Called the Kids Identification and Safety Seat program, the educational initiative will be offering assistance at various Illinois Tollway facilities, children’s museums and local stores.
The effectiveness of properly installed child safety seats is well documented. NHTSA officials estimate that such devices may have saved the lives of almost 10,000 American children in the last 35 years.
The odds are high that Illinois drivers might be involved in at least one auto accident in their lifetime. Other drivers on the roads engage in a variety of unsafe or negligent behavior, ranging from the distraction of smartphone use to drinking and driving. Sometimes simple fatigue or a miscalculation of road conditions might be to blame. Either way, an accident victim may wonder what justice is available to injuries resulting from another driver’s negligence. Fortunately, an experienced Peoria auto accident lawyer might be able to answer those questions and provide strategic advice for a personal injury lawsuit.
Source: chicagotribune.com, “2013 Kids Identification and Safety Seat Events Schedule Announced,” June 12, 2013