Car crashes are the leading cause of death for U.S. children, according to a study published by the New England Journal of Medicine. You want to keep your children safe, and so does the state of Arkansas. That’s why Arkansas Code includes laws about seat belts and car seat governing how children and teenagers can ride in vehicles.
Driving without a seatbelt is a primary offense in Arkansas, which means an officer can pull you over simply because they suspect that you or a passenger isn’t wearing a safety belt. If a child is not restrained properly, you can be fined between $25-$100.
Children 13 and over are able to safely ride in the front seat, if they are at least 80 pounds and 4’9”.
Babies and toddlers should ride in rear-facing car seats as long as possible. Usually by the age of three, most children are ready to switch to forward-facing seats. They should stay in these forward-facing seats until they hit the height and weight restrictions of the seat. When your child outgrows their forward-facing car seat, they should ride in a booster seat. Some kids may need a booster until the age of 12.
See a list of more thorough guidelines from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.
Often experts say they see car seats that are improperly installed or children who are buckled into seats incorrectly.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has installation tips and car and booster seat safety ratings.
You can make an appointment at Arkansas Children’s Hospital or at the Fayetteville or Springdale police stations to have an expert check your child’s car seat and installation.
When you have auto, home, life, farm, or other insurance with Farm Bureau Insurance of Arkansas, your membership in the Farm Bureau Federation qualifies you for benefits like the Infant Car Seat Program. With this program, you can purchase a car safety seat starting at $15.
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