WASHINGTON, D.C. — A new analysis of federal crash data by AAA shows child safety seat and booster use declines after a child’s third birthday, even though older children remain at risk in crashes.
AAA’s review of five years of U.S. Department of Transportation data found that more than 3.9 million children age 11 and under were involved in car crashes between 2019 and 2023, resulting in 516,000 injuries and more than 2,800 deaths. Nearly 100,000 children were injured in 2023 alone.
“Saving lives is what we’re all about at AAA, and that starts with making sure every kid is buckled up the right way, every time,” said Jake Nelson, AAA’s director of traffic safety advocacy and research.
Despite widespread education efforts, AAA and the National Safety Council said improper car seat use remains common. In 2024, 67% of car seats checked were installed or used incorrectly, according to data submitted to the National Digital Car Seat Check Form. Missteps included loose installation, failing to use the tether on forward-facing seats, and loose harnesses.
Experts said many children are moved out of car seats or booster seats too early. The American Academy of Pediatrics estimates most kids are not ready to use a seat belt alone until age 10 to 12. AAA’s analysis showed nearly one in four children were transitioned into booster seats too soon, and nearly nine in ten were shifted to seat belts prematurely.
“Children grow up fast, but seat belt readiness takes time, and booster seats can help keep kids safe until seat belts fit them correctly,” said Amy Artuso, director of mobility safety programs at the National Safety Council.
Officials noted that restraint use declines with age, even though older children face significant risks. Nearly 37% of children ages 7 to 11 killed in crashes were completely unrestrained, compared with 33% of children ages 4 to 6 and 26% of those under age 3.
AAA and NSC encouraged parents to check car seat fit based on a child’s height rather than age and to take advantage of state car seat inspection programs or virtual car seat checks available online.
National Child Passenger Safety Week runs Sept. 21–27.
