Parents and caregivers in Illinois are responsible for providing a child car seat for any young passenger they transport. Car seats are designed to protect children and reduce the risk of harm in the event of a collision. The Illinois Child Passenger Protection Act outlines specific car seat requirements based on a child’s age and size.
Birth to Two Years
Illinois law mandates using a rear-facing infant car seat for the youngest and most vulnerable passengers. This type of seat is specifically designed to cradle and protect an infant’s delicate neck and spine in a sudden stop or impact. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends keeping children in rear-facing seats for as long as possible, up to the weight or height limit indicated by the car seat manufacturer.
Rear-facing seats distribute the force of a collision across the entire back of the seat, significantly reducing the risk of injury to the head, neck, and spine. Parents should ensure the infant car seat is installed correctly and the harness is snug against the child’s body.
Two to Four Years
Children may transition to a forward-facing car seat with a harness as they begin to grow. When making this switch parents must ensure the seat is appropriate for the child’s weight and height. The harness should be adjusted to fit snugly, with the chest clip positioned at armpit level. Children should remain in a forward-facing car seat with a harness until they outgrow the seat’s weight or height limits.
Four to Eight Years
Once a child outgrows their front-facing car seat with a harness, they may transition to a booster seat. Booster seats elevate the child to a position where the vehicle’s seatbelt fits properly across their chest and hips. This is crucial for preventing injuries in the event of a collision.
Children must use a booster seat at least until they reach age eight, or until they can properly wear an adult lap and shoulder belt. Some children may need to use a booster seat beyond age eight if they have yet to reach the appropriate height.
Eight to Thirteen Years
Once a child reaches age eight and is tall enough, they may use the vehicle’s seatbelt without a booster seat. However, the seatbelt must fit properly. The lap belt should lie across the upper thighs, rather than the stomach. The shoulder belt should lie across the chest, rather than the neck.
Illinois law requires all passengers to wear seatbelts, regardless of age or seating position. It is crucial to emphasize the importance of consistent seatbelt use to children as they grow older and become more independent, as this can help make seatbelt use second nature and protect them in case of a collision.
Contact an Illinois Accident Lawyer Today
If your child suffered injuries in a car accident caused by another driver, you may be able to recover compensation for medical expenses and other losses. Contact the knowledgeable and compassionate car accident lawyers from Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. today to learn more about your legal options. We’re pleased to offer free consultations and handle injury claims on a contingency fee basis – you face no financial risk in securing the legal representation your family needs and deserves.
