Child Car Safety in Baltimore: What Parents Need to Know

Between heavy traffic throughout the city and the speeds at which drivers travel on I-695 and other local roads, car accidents in Baltimore pose serious risks. For parents, keeping young passengers safe is one of the most important responsibilities.

Whether you are driving them to school, running errands, or having family fun, accidents can happen in an instant and often leave children suffering devastating harm. Our Maryland car accident lawyers explain what you need to know about using child car safety seats and other precautions to protect children against Baltimore crashes.

Child Car Safety Seats Help Reduce The Risk Of Injuries In Baltimore Car Accidents

Car accidents in Baltimore pose significant risks. Children are particularly vulnerable and can suffer potentially life-threatening harm in even relatively minor crashes and collisions.

One of the most important ways to protect them is by using child car safety seats. Section 22.412.2 of the Maryland Statutes spells out the rules and regulations for using them:

• Children under the age of two must sit in a rear-facing seat.
• Forward-facing seats should be used after (up until the child outgrows the seat height or weight limits).
• Booster seats are required until a child is at least 8 years old or reaches the required height of nearly five feet.
• Back seat riding is strongly recommended until at least age 13, for added protection from airbags and front-end collisions.
• Seat belts are required in every seating position.

Child car safety seats help reduce the risk of injuries in Baltimore car accidents, but only if installed correctly. The Maryland Department of Health provides video instructions, or you can visit the Baltimore City Fire Department for an in-person demonstration.

Driving Tips to Protect Children Against Baltimore Car Accident Injuries

Child car safety seats help prevent potentially devastating injuries in the event of a car accident in Baltimore, but they don’t reduce overall crash risks. Parents are urged to take precautions, particularly when driving the Baltimore Beltway and other busy streets.

To help protect your children against the impacts of a crash, follow these safety tips:

• Make sure children have what they need before heading out on each trip.
• Avoid reaching around to attend to them while driving, talking on your cellphone, or other actions that could distract you from the road.
• Follow the speed limit and allow plenty of time for making trips, accounting for local traffic.
• Avoid aggressive driving, which includes speeding and behaviors such as tailgating, failing to yield, or cutting other motorists off in traffic.

When Injuries Happen, Our Experienced Maryland Car Accident Lawyers Are Here To Help

Despite taking the appropriate precautions, car accidents in Baltimore can still leave your child suffering serious injuries. Maryland Injury Lawyers provides caring, comprehensive support and trusted legal guidance to parents in this situation. We hold at-fault motorists accountable and help your family get the compensation you need to recover.

To protect your family’s financial security and your rights in an injury claim, contact our office. Request a consultation to speak with our experienced Maryland Injury Lawyers today.

Sources:

mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=gtr&section=22-412.2&enactments=false

cdc.gov/child-passenger-safety/risk-factors/index.html

health.maryland.gov/phpa/OEHFP/KISS/pages/home.aspx\

fire.baltimorecity.gov/public-education-and-community-outreach/car-seat-installation