Car Safety for Children

It is tragic that death and injury rates associated with auto accidents continue to rise for young children. But is it really necessary to impose yet another government regulation designed to save us from ourselves (March 15)? If so, why stop at car seats for 9-year-olds? Why not require all children to wear padded suits and helmets every time they ride in the car? Better yet, why not just prohibit children under the age of 10 from riding in cars at all?

The blue-ribbon panel would have us believe that the cars themselves aren’t safe and that the problem has a technical fix. However, given that deaths continue to rise despite constant improvements in safety technology, it is clear that the problem and solution lie elsewhere. If the panel members really want to make our roads safer for children, perhaps their time would be better spent studying ways to improve our driving habits, rather than requiring us all to strap our kids in like sardines.

JOE POWER

Ventura

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The mistake I most often see is parents letting their children (and often themselves) put the shoulder strap under their arm, because it cuts into their neck, rendering it ineffective. Most of the children I have driven in our van have to be told to put the strap over their shoulders.

My 6 1/2-year-old got a lot of comments and teasing from children about riding in a booster seat at 55 pounds. He is now in a regular seat in the back, as he is able to comfortably wear a shoulder strap. And he still asks me why he can’t ride in the front seat, because all his friends do. It will take time and education for families to change their thinking regarding car-seat safety for older children.

DEBBIE CASSETTARI

Chino Hills