Keeping Your Kids Safe in Cars: Tennessee Child Safety Laws

Even when you do everything to keep your child protected, there are still reckless drivers on the loose on Nashville roadways. But knowing and abiding by Tennessee’s child safety laws can help protect you and your kids while you’re on the road. In case you get hit, give your child the best possible chance to stay injury-free.

Here are the basics of Tennessee’s vehicle child safety laws:

• Children under one year old should be placed in a rear-facing child passenger restraint system in the back seat.
• Children between one and three years old and weighing more than 20 pounds should be secured in the back seat in forward-facing car seat.
• Kids between four and eight years of age and less than 4’9” in height must be secured in a belt-positioning booster seat system in the back seat.
• Put kids ages nine through 12 in the back seat with a seat belt.
• Children over the age of 12 can sit in the front seat with a seat belt on.

If you fail to follow these Tennessee regulations, you could face a fine — but more importantly, you could be putting your child’s safety at risk.

Tips for keeping your kids injury-free

There are some other ways for you to reduce the risk of your child being injured in a Tennessee auto accident:

• Always read and abide by manufacturer’s instructions on car seats. According to org, 73% of car seats are not used or installed correctly.
• Check in on your kids while you’re driving and make sure they still have their seat belts on.
• Teach your kids car safety from an early age.
• Never leave your kids in the car alone.
• Check your car’s air bags and know how they expand upon activated. Air bags could be hazardous to young children.

Many types of auto accidents can put your children’s wellbeing at risk, especially a collision that impacts the back seat, including T-bone accidents, sideswipes, and being rear-ended. By being diligent, you can help protect any passengers in the back from serious harm.

The Nashville auto accident attorneys at the Rocky McElhaney Law Firm are your kids’ gladiators. If your child was injured in a car accident caused by a negligent driver, we will stop at nothing to pursue justice. We’re ready to fight for your family so call our firm today at 615-425-2500 or use the contact form. Our auto accident lawyers have offices in Nashville, Hendersonville and Knoxville.