Although the law requires all people riding in a vehicle to wear a seatbelt for protection in the event of a car accident, the law is more stringent when it comes to children.
According to ARS 28-907, no child under age five should ever be driven around in a car unless they are belted in with a safety device appropriate for their age, height and weight. The same law requires children over the age of five but under age eight and under the height of four feet and nine inches to also ride in an appropriate child safety belt system. The minimum fine for violating this ordinance is fifty dollars. While law enforcement cannot stop a vehicle for adult violations of the seatbelt law, drivers can be stopped if a police officer believes that a child is not appropriately buckled in, even if they’ve committed no other violations.
Car Accident Statistics and Child Safety Restraints
Each year, the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) reports that Arizona car accidents cause the deaths of more than 30 children under the age of 14 and injuries to more than 3,560 more children in the same age group. Among those children under the age of five who were not wearing seat belts in a collision, recent statistics report around 40 injuries and approximately three deaths. In accidents among all passenger age groups, injuries are sustained in nearly one-quarter of those collisions and nearly 90 people die as a result of the injuries that they suffer in the crash.
If Your Child in Injured in a Car Accident
Although your child should always be buckled up, the unthinkable may still happen, and if your child is injured by the negligence of another driver you should reach out to an experienced personal injury attorney. The attorneys at the Breyer Law Offices, P.C. would help you make things right, starting with a fair settlement from the driver responsible for your child’s injuries. We work hard to secure compensation to pay for your child’s medical care, your time off from work, property damages and the suffering of your family. To learn more about your rights and get assistance on your accident lawsuit contact the Husband and Wife Law Team.