The biggest problem is that too many children are riding totally unrestrained. Many who are restrained are put into safety belts when they would be better off in a booster seat. Surveys show that only 5 percent of 4 to 8 year olds ride in booster seats. Parents frequently do not even know what a booster seat is. These recommendations are a framework for policy makers, educational organizations and parents to help get children properly restrained whenever they are in a motor vehicle.
Older children can use safety belts.
Those under age 13 should be in a rear seating position, particularly in airbag-equipped vehicles. Members examined legislation, law enforcement issues and education strategies as well as product design issues related to booster seats and after-market products to increase restraint use by children ages 4 through 15. States should eliminate gaps in laws which permit substituting safety belts for child safety seats, apply only to front seats, exempt out of state vehicles and non-parents, and don't cover high enough ages. State and local law enforcement agencies should conduct high visibility enforcement activities which include emphasis on enforcing child passenger safety laws. New educational programs should be directed toward getting 4 to 8 year olds in booster seats and older children and adolescents in safety belts.