Illinois is home to numerous auto companies. Its roads are filled with different kinds of cars and trucks, making accidents a frequent occurrence. With the large number of vehicles on the streets of Illinois, you and your child could be victims of an accident.
One of your most essential jobs as a parent or guardian is keeping your kids safe when riding in your vehicle.
Law firms like Abels & Annes, P.C. emphasize the importance of following car seat laws in Illinois, which aim to protect children and reduce the risk of severe injuries in accidents.
If you got involved in an accident with your children in the car, be sure to connect with the experienced lawyers of Abels & Annes, P.C., who can help you secure fair compensation for you and your child.
Proper use of car seats keeps children safe and well-secured. Under Illinois car seat law, children must be securely fastened to their seats.
This law is covered by the Illinois Child Passenger Protection Act (625 ILCS 25/4). You must understand what type of seat your child should be in according to size and age.
Even though car seats do not prevent accidents, they can avoid severe accident injuries if it’s an age-appropriate car seat for your child. Using the right car seat for your child can save your kid from a catastrophic accident. You’ll have to face the consequences if you are caught by the authorities not using the age-appropriate car seat for your child.
When you do not place your child in the right car seat required by the law, your child can sustain injuries if an accident occurs. Some common child injuries associated with car accidents without the right car seat include:
- Concussions
- Whiplash
- Skull fractures
- TBI (traumatic brain injury)
- Severe spinal cord injury
- Facial injuries
- Organ damage
- Internal bleeding
- Dislocated or fractured bones
The Consequences of Not Having an Age-Appropriate Car Seat for Your Child
Below are a few consequences of not having an age-appropriate car seat for your child.
You Will be Fined
Under the Illinois Child Passenger Protection Act, if you fail to keep your child in the right car seat, you could be told to pay a fine if it’s your first offense. Defaulters will be eligible for supervision if they provide proof that their child’s car seat is the right age for the child and if it is installed properly.
Ill-Fitting Seat Can Cause Neck and Spinal Injuries
When choosing a car seat, remember that your child’s spine is still developing, and their head is a bit heavier than an adult’s. For example, if your child is sitting in an ill-fitting seat and, in the case of a sudden halt, your child’s head will be thrown forward at a speed close to your car’s.
An undeveloped cartilage and tissue are prone to damage, and your child’s neck cannot support their head. This can lead to severe spinal and neck injuries. So, you must choose the age-appropriate car seat for your child.
Your Child Will Suffer Postural Problems
An ill-fitted car seat and constant sitting in the wrong position also contribute to postural defects in children. Using an age-appropriate car seat will encourage your child to adopt a better sitting position.
Your Child Will Droop
If you place your child in a car seat that’s not age-appropriate, they can bend too much, causing the organs in their body to press against the diaphragm. This will make it harder for your kid’s muscles to work effectively and also cause constant fatigue and breathing problems.
Placing your child in the right and age-appropriate seat will keep their torso and head in a straight line, eliminating any head-drooping issues.
