September: Tween Passenger Safety

HAVE A TWEEN?

Buckle Down and BUCKLE UP!

"Never Give Up Until They Buckle Up"

Child Passenger Safety Week is September 18-24, 2016

Tweens Are Children 8-14 Years

Tweens – the age group between the car seat and the car keys – have their own unique needs as passengers that still require adult attention. As your child grows, you may face challenges in getting your child to buckle up. Here are a few pointers to ensure your tween’s safety:

  • Keep them in a booster seat at least until their 8th birthday (NYS Law)
  • Most children are not ready for the seatbelt alone until they reach 4’9”, usually between 8-12 years
  • Check to make sure the belt fits properly the whole car ride: lap belt should lay across their hips, not their belly, and the shoulder belt should lay across their shoulder, not their neck
  • All children should ride in the backseat until their 13th birthday
  • Never assume your tween is buckled up, know for sure before you go

More tips from SaferCar.gov

When Is My Child Ready for an Adult Seat Belt?
Find out when to transition your child from a booster seat to an adult seat belt and watch this video demonstrating the proper seat belt fit.

You’re the #1 Influence: Make Sure Your Tween is Properly Buckled Up the Whole Ride, Every Time
Learn how you influence your child’s seat belt safety and what you can do to make sure your child is properly buckled up every time.

Tween Seat Belt Safety— It’s Non-Negotiable
Learn what keeps tweens from wearing their seat belts and keeping them on.

Tips to Motivate Your Tweens to Buckle Up
Inspire your kids with age-appropriate messages to buckle up and stay buckled up the whole ride, every time.

Visit the Stony Brook Trauma Center Website for more information on:

Carseat Safety
New York State Child Passenger Safety Laws
Free Car Seat Fitting Locations in Suffolk County
And more tips to keep your child safe as they grow

Printable Handouts

Car Seat Fitting Locations in Suffolk County, NY

Safe Kids Seat Belt Safety Tips

Is Your Child Buckeled Up on Every Ride? Infographic

Tell Them to Sit in the Back poster

Lead by Example poster

Which One of These Kids Needs a Booster Seat?

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