Child safety seat and booster seat use drops sharply as children get older, with many moving to adult seat belts before they are ready, according to new data released by AAA and the National Safety Council.
An AAA analysis of nationwide crash data from 2020 through 2024 found 78% of 3-year-olds injured in crashes were riding in a child safety seat or booster seat. By age 6, that figure had fallen to 45%.
The decline is concerning because many children still need a car seat or booster based on their height, weight and development, AAA said. Data from the National Digital Car Seat Check Form found 86.5% of children evaluated during child safety seat inspections in 2025 had transitioned to an adult seat belt too soon.
“Parents spend years protecting their children, and that shouldn’t stop just because their little ones aren’t so little anymore,” said AAA spokesperson Kellan Howell. “At AAA, we’re working to save lives by helping families make informed choices. If a seat belt doesn’t fit your older child correctly, then it’s likely that a booster seat is still the safest choice, and it’s okay to let them stay little a little while longer.”
The National Safety Council said children between ages 10 and 12 may appear ready for a seat belt but could still require a booster to ensure the belt fits properly.
“As children develop and grow, it is vital to take proper steps to ensure their safety at every age,” said Angela Brown, Senior Director of Driver Safety Training at the National Safety Council. “Children ages 10 to 12 may appear ready for an adult seat belt, but many still need booster seats to ensure the seat belt fits properly and safely. Parents and caregivers can schedule a free visit with a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician in their area or online to make sure their child’s restraint system is right for their size and developmental needs.”
More than 3.7 million children were involved in crashes nationwide between 2020 and 2024, according to AAA. More than 500,000 were injured and more than 2,800 were killed during the five-year period.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, properly used car seats reduce the risk of fatal injury by 71% for infants and 54% for toddlers traveling in passenger cars.
Inspection data also shows improper car seat use remains common. Nearly 74% of car seats inspected by certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians in 2025 were installed or used incorrectly, according to the National Digital Car Seat Check Form. More than 80% of inspected forward-facing seats were being used incorrectly.
Among the most common problems identified by technicians were car seats installed too loosely, failure to use the top tether strap with forward-facing seats and harness straps that were too loose.
AAA recommends keeping children in a restraint appropriate for their age, height and weight rather than moving them to the next stage prematurely. For children using seat belts, the lap belt should sit low across the hips and the shoulder belt should cross the center of the chest and shoulder. Children should also be able to sit with their back against the vehicle seat and their knees bent over the edge of the seat for the entire trip.
Parents and caregivers are also encouraged to have their child’s restraint checked by a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician, particularly when changing vehicles, installing a new seat or moving a child to the next type of restraint. Free in-person and virtual car seat safety checks are available through child passenger safety organizations.
