Keeping Children Safe on Michigan Roads: A Legal Guide for Parents

Ensuring child passenger safety is one of the most important responsibilities of parents and guardians in Michigan. The state has specific laws regarding car seat use, designed to protect young passengers in the event of an accident. However, understanding these laws and best practices can sometimes be confusing. As experienced personal injury attorneys, The Clark Law Office is committed to helping families stay informed and safe.

Michigan’s Car Seat Laws: What Parents Need to Know

Michigan law mandates the use of car seats and booster seats based on a child’s age, weight, and height. Infants and toddlers up to age two must ride in a rear-facing car seat, which provides the best protection for their head, neck, and spine. Once they outgrow the rear-facing seat, children can transition to a forward-facing car seat with a five-point harness. This should be used until they reach the seat’s maximum height and weight limit.

For children aged four to eight, a booster seat is required until they reach at least 4’9” in height. Booster seats help position the seatbelt correctly over the child’s body for maximum protection. Once a child outgrows a booster, they can use a regular seatbelt, but Michigan law requires all passengers under 16 to wear one, regardless of where they sit in the vehicle.

Failure to comply with these laws may result in fines and points on the driver’s record, making it essential for parents to stay informed.

Why Proper Car Seat Use Matters

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), properly used car seats reduce the risk of fatal injury by 71% for infants and 54% for toddlers. Booster seats lower the risk of serious injury by 45% in children aged four to eight compared to seat belts alone. However, many parents unknowingly make mistakes that compromise safety, such as using loose harness straps, positioning the chest clip too low, or using an expired or incorrectly installed seat.

Ensuring that your child’s car seat is installed correctly and that they are using the right type for their age and size can make a significant difference in the event of a crash. If your child has been injured due to a car accident, our legal team can help you explore your options.

Choosing and Installing the Right Car Seat

The right car seat depends on a child’s age, height, and weight. Rear-facing seats are best for infants and toddlers, while forward-facing seats with a five-point harness are recommended for children who have outgrown their rear-facing seats. Booster seats should be used until the child is big enough for the seatbelt to fit properly across the chest and lap.

Parents should also have their car seats checked by a certified technician to ensure they are installed correctly. Free car seat inspection services are available at Michigan State Police posts, some fire departments, hospitals, and organizations like Safe Kids Michigan.

Car Seat Safety in Winter

Bulky winter coats can interfere with car seat harness effectiveness. Instead of thick jackets, dress children in thin, warm layers such as fleece, secure the harness snugly, and place a blanket over them after buckling. Car seat ponchos are also a good alternative to keep children warm without compromising safety.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

Using the right car seat and installing it properly can mean the difference between life and death in an accident. Following Michigan’s child passenger safety laws, getting a professional car seat inspection, and staying informed about best practices are simple steps parents can take to protect their children on the road.

If your child has been injured in a motor vehicle accident due to someone else’s negligence, The Clark Law Office is here to help. Contact us for a free consultation to understand your legal options. For more information, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) at www.nhtsa.gov.