Did you know that according to the most recent data available, Illinois saw nearly 300,000 car crashes in 2022 alone? Of those, around 20% of them led to an injury and 1% of them were fatal. Furthermore, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that motor vehicle injuries are the number one cause of death in American children and 35% of those children weren’t properly buckled.
Laws exist for a reason ā and Illinois has some unique ones to ensure road safety! Let’s go over Illinois car seat laws so that your children are as safe as possible every time you get in the driver’s seat.
What is the Child Passenger Protection Act?
The Child Passenger Protection Act is an Illinois-specific piece of legislation that dictates how passenger restraints work for children of varying ages.
Key provisions to note include:
- Infants and toddlers (under 2 years old): Must ride in a rear-facing car seat unless they weigh 40 or more pounds or are 40 or more inches tall
- Children 2-4 years old: Can transition to a forward-facing car seat with a harness
- Children 4-8 years old: Booster seat requirement until they reach the seat’s maximum height/weight limit
- Children 8-12 years old: They can legally use a seat belt without a booster; keep in mind that Illinois law states all passengers must wear a seatbelt, regardless of ageĀ
Parents or guardians must provide the proper restraint system for their children. Failure to do so will result in a fine for a first offense, which can usually be waived upon proof of possession of a proper restraint system and completion of an instructional course. Subsequent violations result in much steeper fines.
Best Practices for Car Seat Safety
Install the right car seat
First and foremost, ensure that you adhere to the above safety requirements. Next, ensure that you are able to properly install and use the car seat ā refer to the manufacturer’s guide for height/weight limits, installation instructions, etc.
If you’ve properly installed the car seat, it shouldn’t move more than one inch side to side or front to back. Harness straps should be at or above the shoulders, and it should be snug enough that you can’t pinch any slack.
Yes, car seats require maintenance
Take the time to register your car seat with the manufacturer so you can get updates on recalls and safety notices. Car seats also have expiration dates (usually up to 10 years from the manufacturing date) due to material degradation over time, so be sure that your car seat’s safety isn’t compromised.
If a crash does happen, replace the car seat immediately. Even if there is no visible damage, the materials could have been affected.
Avoid the most common mistakes
Loose harnesses, incorrect seat placement, and non-regulated products such as toys being attached to the seat are all common errors to avoid. If you’re ever unsure of yourself, get in touch with a local fire or police department to seek professional assistance. These facilities often offer free car seat training and safety checks to ensure peace of mind.
If an Accident Does Happen, Call Brian Lewis
If your child is injured in a car accident, I can help you hold the negligent parties accountable. Your rights matter. Over the course of my career, I’ve helped clients win millions of dollars to cover medical bills, lost wages, emotional distress, and more.
You don’t pay until we win your case, meaning there’s no up front cost and nothing to lose. Give me a call today to get a free consultation.
