Fort Lauderdale Car Accident Attorney Blog
Car accidents in Fort Lauderdale and elsewhere continue to be the leading cause of death for children ages 3 to 14, according to the latest information released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Our West Palm Beach injury lawyers know there are many reasons for these tragic accidents, including lack of proper seat belts, safety seats and booster seats, speeding, distracted driving and even, tragically, accidents involving drunk drivers.
Buckle up your kids…it makes a difference. In an effort to save lives, child safety seats or seat belts should be used at all times when traveling in passenger vehicles with children accompanying you. The Florida Highway Patrol requires any child under age 18 to be secured while traveling in a passenger vehicle.
The NHTSA reports infants who are secured in safety seats can reduce the risk of fatality or serious injury by 71 percent. In addition, toddlers who are secured can reduce risk by 54 percent.
In 2009, approximately 309 children avoided fatal injuries due to the fact they were restrained by child safety seats or seat belts. Reports also show in 2009, children under the age of 14 accounted for 4 percent of the fatal accidents in the United States.
Other findings of the new report:
-Florida car accidents claimed the lives of 110 passengers under the age of 4 from 2005-2009
-42 fatalities occurred in Florida for unrestrained children riding in a passenger vehicle
-Estimated 90 lives were saved because of child restraints and safety seat belts in the state of Florida.
-244 kids under the age of 14 were killed in pedestrian accidents last year.
-74 children were killed in bicycle accidents in 2009.
If you or your loved one is injured or killed in a car accident in Fort Lauderdale, West Palm, St. Lucie or the surrounding areas, contact the experienced Fort Lauderdale Law Offices of Dean H. Freeman. Please call 1-800-529-2368