Advocates push for child passenger safety in Oklahoma

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) - As we approach Child Passenger Safety week, on Tuesday, advocates shared potentially life-saving reminders.  

“Across the nation, we continue to lose an average of three children every day in traffic crashes and Oklahoma is among the highest states for percentage of children lost,” said Dr. Elizabeth Koldoff, of Safe Kids Oklahoma. “These deaths are heartbreaking and preventable.”

According to the Oklahoma State Department of Health’s website, using restraints correctly can decrease the risk of death by 71% for infants and 54% for toddlers. This is why advocates are urging parents to double check that their children’s car seats are installed right. 

"Parents can be overconfident in their ability to select and install the right seats for their children,” said Jaclynn Todd, of the Oklahoma Highway Safety Office. “In fact, approximately half of all car seats are not correctly installed." 

Todd added many children are moved out of using a car or booster seat too early. 

"The right seat and properly fitting seat belt can make all the difference,” said Todd. 

At Tuesday’s event, there was a display of backpacks. They represent the 31 unrestrained children and teenagers killed in car crashes in 2021. 

"One of the hardest things we do is law enforcement that we go through in our job is dealing with the death of a child, especially one that is not buckled up securely in the crash,” said Lt. Chris Arnall with the Oklahoma Highway Patrol. 

The picture below is a reminder of what type of car seat your child should be sitting in: 

Advocates also encouraged parents to set a good example. 

"Research shows that there is a strong correlation between caregivers who buckle up and their child passenger restraint use,” said Antoinette Short of the Apache Tribe of Oklahoma. 

To get help installing your car seat, you can contact the Injury Prevention Service or your local county health department. Safe Kids Oklahoma also has resources here.