Study: Some parents taking children out of booster seats too early

DETROIT – Making sure little ones are strapped in safely is one of the first things most parents do before hitting the road. But a new study shows an alarming number of parents aren't doing it correctly.

The study by Safe Kids Worldwide was funded by a $2 million grant from the GM Foundation. It found that when parents graduate children out of booster seats and into regular seat belts too early, it can put children at risk for severe abdominal, head and spinal injuries in the event of a crash.

[Web extra] Booster seat checklist for parents

The organization surveyed 1,000 parents of children ages 4 to 10 and found that seven in 10 parents didn't know that a child should be at least 57 inches (4'9") and weigh between 80 and 100 pounds to ride in a car without a booster seat.

The survey also found that one in four parents don't make their children buckle up every time they are in the car.

More than 60 percent of parents say they've seen other moms and dads bend the rules, either not making their kids use a seat belt or let them sit in the front seat.

As part of national Child Passenger Safety Week, the organization will be in metro Detroit to offer car seat and booster seat checks.  

Saturday, Sept 20, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

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