1. SAFELY TRANSPORTING HEAD START CHILDREN Passenger Safety Texas AgriLife Extension Service in cooperation with Texas Department of Transportation Educational programs of the Texas AgriLife Extension Service are open to all people without regard to race, color, sex, disability, religion, age, or national origin. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating

2. Passenger Safety The Problem Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death among children Nationally, almost half of the children who died in crashes were not in child safety seats or seat belts (NHTSA)

3. Passenger Safety Why Pre-School Children Need Car Seats Hips are small and rounded Not well developed Adult lap/shoulder belts do not fit properly

4. Passenger Safety Effectiveness of Child Restraints 71% effective in reducing infant deaths 54% effective in reducing toddler deaths 69% effective in reducing hospitalization need Children are 37% less likely to be fatally injured riding in the rear seat

5. Passenger Safety HEAD START RULES January 2001 –Head Start programs - 5 yrs. to comply Require all children to be seated in a child restraint meeting federal standards Driver must receive training One Bus Monitor required

6. Passenger Safety School Buses Design Compartmentalization Designed for forward- facing crashes Does not work well in rollover crashes 20 in. min 24 in. max SRP

7. Passenger Safety School Bus Requirements Large buses >10,000 pounds –Compartmentalization required Small buses <10,000 pounds –Safety belts required –Lower LATCH anchors required in at least 2 seating positions 2010 – all new Texas buses required to have lap/shoulder belts (unfunded mandate)

8. Passenger Safety Child Restraint Systems for Buses Ideal solution - Integrated seats

9. Passenger Safety Child Restraint Systems Conventional Child Safety Seats Fit children 20-40+ lbs. ConvertibleCombination Seat

10. Passenger Safety Other Restraints Vests E-Z-On KidCam Fits 30-80 lbs. Can be used with lap belt only

11. Passenger Safety Other Restraints SafeGuard STAR Fits 25-65 lbs. or 25-90 lbs. Can be used without lap belts

12. Passenger Safety Cost Conventional Seats - $40-$160+ Vests - $65+ SafeGuard STAR - $120-$150 Bus Seats with integrated seats - $600+

13. Passenger Safety The 4-Steps

14. Passenger Safety What is the Best Child Safety Seat? Fits child - appropriate for child’s height, weight and age Fits in the vehicle Seat that will be used correctly all the time

15. Passenger Safety Important Read the instruction book Mail in registration card READ AND KEEP FOR FUTURE REFERENCE Convertible Seat INSTRUCTIONS

16. Passenger Safety Convertible Seats 5-Point Harness T-Shield Tray Shield

17. Passenger Safety Convertible Seats Can be rear-facing as well as forward- facing Forward-facing to 40* lbs.  Child must be a minimum of one year and 20 lbs. (some start at 22 lbs.) IMPORTANT-Check manufacturer’s instructions for correct harness slots * Higher harness weight seats are available

18. Passenger Safety Combination Seats Combine a removable 5-point harness with a high back belt- positioning booster Harness weight limit is 40* lbs. All slots are reinforced Choose slot at or above child’s shoulders * Higher harness weight seats are available

19. Passenger Safety Higher Harness Weight Seats Convertible or combination seats Forward-facing weight limit above 40 lbs. (50-80 lbs.) Good option for child not mature enough to use a booster seat More expensive May be harder to find

20. Passenger Safety Special Needs Children May be able to use conventional seats Some forward-facing seats can be used in a slight recline when forward- facing. Check instructions Higher harness weight seats may be an option Medical seats are also available and go up to 115 pounds. More expensive

21. Passenger Safety Harness Straps/Retainer Clip Straps should be at or above shoulders Straps must be snug Not able to pinch any of webbing on harness Retainer clip – across chest armpit to armpit Retainer Clip

22. Passenger Safety Installing it Correctly Choose safety belt or LATCH  Whichever gives most secure fit Center position is safest position  Sometimes center cannot be used Connect top tether Read instructions in vehicle owner’s manual Contact technician for inspection

23. Passenger Safety Booster Seats Incorrect belt fit because there is no booster seat Correct belt fit with belt-positioning booster Children under 4’9” do not fit well in lap/shoulder belts Booster seats help position child –Help with correct lap and shoulder belt fit

24. Passenger Safety Booster Seats High back booster Backless booster

25. Passenger Safety What to Avoid - Second-Hand Seats Seat involved in crash Missing labels More than 6 years old Cracks or rust Parts missing On recall list

26. Passenger Safety Recalls Recall Lists on NHTSA Web site NHTSA: – http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov – AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE – 1-888-DASH-2-DOT Child Safety Seat Manufacturer

27. Passenger Safety Resources Get a free safety seat inspection with a certified technician Locate a technician – http://buckleup.tamu.edu