Car accidents are one of the leading causes of death and injuries for children in the United States. However, using a car seat can significantly reduce the risk of injuries and fatalities in the event of an accident.
In Arkansas, car seat laws are in place to ensure that children are properly restrained while riding in a vehicle. In this ultimate guide, we will discuss everything you need to know about Arkansas car seat laws to keep your child safe on the road.
Why Are Car Seats Important?
Car seats are important because they can significantly reduce the risk of injuries and fatalities in the event of an accident. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), car seats can reduce the risk of fatalities by 71% for infants and 54% for toddlers. Car seats can also prevent injuries such as head injuries, spinal cord injuries, and internal injuries.
Types of Car Seats
There are three types of car seats that are appropriate for children of different ages and sizes: rear-facing car seats, forward-facing car seats, and booster seats.
Rear-Facing Car Seats
Rear-facing car seats are designed for infants and young children who weigh less than 40 pounds. These car seats should always be installed in the back seat of the car and face the rear of the vehicle. Rear-facing car seats provide the best protection for infants and young children in the event of a car accident.
Forward-Facing Car Seats
Forward-facing car seats are designed for children who weigh between 40 and 65 pounds. These car seats should also be installed in the back seat of the car and face the front of the vehicle. Forward-facing car seats have a harness system that helps keep children secure in an accident.
Booster Seats
Booster seats are designed for children who have outgrown their forward-facing car seats. Booster seats are typically used for children between 4 and 8 years old and weigh between 40 and 80 pounds. These car seats raise children up so that the vehicle's seat belt fits properly across their lap and chest.
Arkansas Car Seat Laws
Arkansas car seat laws are in place to ensure that children are properly restrained while riding in a vehicle. These laws apply to all drivers in Arkansas, regardless of whether they are residents of the state or just passing through.
Rear-facing Car Seat Requirements
In Arkansas, all infants and toddlers under the age of two must be secured in a rear-facing car seat in the back seat of the car. This includes children who weigh up to 40 pounds or are less than 36 inches.
Forward-Facing Car Seat Requirements
Once a child has outgrown their rear-facing car seat, they should be secured in a forward-facing car seat in the back seat of the car. Arkansas law requires that children under the age of 6 or weighing less than 60 pounds must be secured in a forward-facing car seat with a harness.
Booster Seat Requirements
Once a child has outgrown their forward-facing car seat, they should be secured in a booster seat in the back seat of the car. Arkansas law requires that children who are at least 6 years old or weigh at least 60 pounds must be secured in a booster seat until they are at least 4'9" tall.
Seat Belt Requirements
Once a child has outgrown their booster seat, they can use a seat belt to secure them in the vehicle. Arkansas law requires that all children under the age of 15 must be properly secured in a vehicle using a seat belt.
Violations And Penalties
Violating Arkansas car seat laws can result in fines and penalties. The first offense can result in a fine of up to $100, and subsequent offenses can result in fines of up to $500.
Choosing the Right Car Seat for Your Child
Choosing the right car seat for your child is crucial to ensure their safety on the road. When selecting a car seat, consider your child's age, weight, and height. Additionally, make sure that the car seat meets or exceeds federal safety standards. It is also important to make sure that the car seat is installed properly in your vehicle.
Installing Your Car Seat
Proper installation of your car seat is essential to ensure that it provides the best protection for your child in the event of a car accident. When installing your car seat, carefully follow the manufacturer's instructions and make sure that the car seat is securely installed in your vehicle. Additionally, have your car seat inspected by a certified child passenger safety technician to make sure that it is installed correctly.
Conclusion
Car seat laws in Arkansas are in place to ensure that children are properly restrained while riding in a vehicle. It is important to choose the right car seat for your child and install it properly to ensure their safety on the road. By following Arkansas car seat laws and best practices for car seat use, you can help keep your child safe and protected in the event of a car accident.
If you wish to understand why the driving age should not be lowered, check out another one of our resources here at Keep Driving.
