Car crashes are the leading cause of death for children, with Mississippi leading with the highest fatility rate in the United States, according to IIHS. Child Passenger Safety Week is recognized each year during the third week of September and is aimed at educating parents on ways to help prevent tragedies from happening.
The Mississippi Highway Patrol Troop C Enforcement Division posted the following on their Facebook page:
“The Mississippi Highway Patrol is committed to ensuring highway safety and significantly protecting child safety. Please make sure that your child is appropriately restrained prior to travel.”
Child Passenger Safety Week: September 15-21
According to data from the National Department of Transportation, an average of 3 children were killed and an estimated 445 children were injured every day in traffic crashes in 2021.
The data also shows that of the 863 children killed in car crashes, 40% were unrestrained. According to the Mississippi Department of Transportation, simply buckling up your child could save hundreds of lives each year.