AT A G L A N C E Rear-facing seat From birth to age 2, or until child reaches the upper weight or height limit of the seat. Forward-facing seat 2-year-olds are five times safer riding rear-facing than forwardfacing. From age 2 to at least 5, or until child reaches the upper weight or height limit of the seat. Don't rush to move your child from a car seat to a booster seat. Every step forward reduces safety just a bit. Car Seat Safety Booster seat From age 5 until the seat belt fits properly without a booster (usually when a child reaches 4 feet 9 inches tall). Road injuries are the leading cause of preventable deaths and injuries to children in the U.S., but using car seats correctly can reduce the risk of death by as much as 71 percent. Follow these guidelines to help keep your young passengers safe. Most kids are 8 to 12 years old when they no longer need a booster seat. MARYLAND CHILD PASSENGER SAFETY LAWS Seat belt Child can sit all the way back against the seat with knees bent comfortably. The lap belt should lay across the upper thighs, and the shoulder belt lays across the chest. Kids younger than 13 should ride in the back seat. If there's an accident, kids are 40 percent less likely to be seriously injured if they're in the back seat. All children younger than 8 must ride in an appropriate child restraint, unless he or she is 4 foot 9 (57 inches) or taller. 57" Every child ages 8 to 16 who is not secured in a child restraint must be secured in the vehicle's seat belt in every sitting position in the vehicle. SOURCES: SAFEKIDSMD.ORG, MDKISS.ORG Find a child safety seat inspection station near you by calling 1-866-SEATCHECK or visiting SeatCheck.org. Winter 2018 13http://www.SAFEKIDSMD.ORG http://www.MDKISS.ORG http://www.SeatCheck.org