Research In Action

During Child Passenger Safety (CPS) Week, which is being recognized this week, September 21st-27th, the CPS community comes together to share resources, tips, and best practices around protecting children on our roadways. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), an average of 3 children were killed and an estimated 442 children were injured every day in traffic crashes in 2023. 

Research shows the importance of selecting and properly using the optimal restraint on every trip, in accordance with a child's height, weight, and age. In 2023 alone, the 8- to 12-year-old age group had the highest number of fatalities (314) among children in traffic crashes. This age group is particularly susceptible to using the wrong type of restraint for their age and size, as some children and caregivers prematurely graduate these "tweens" to an adult seat belt before they are the right age and size, thereby increasing the risk of injury and death. During CPS Week, encourage caregivers to avoid premature graduation and confirm their children are in the right seat for their height and weight. In some states, there are laws mandating the restraint type, e.g., children must be rear-facing until at least age 2. Visit the Governors Highway Safety Administration website for the current state laws.

Here at CHOP, our Car Seat Safety for Kids website provides CPS best practice guidance from CHOP experts based on the latest evidence-based recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). New in 2025, our educational videos are now available in English, Spanish and Arabic.