The Children's Clinic - Lawrenceburg, Tennessee

If you are like most families, you will be logging a lot of miles in the car this summer. Between summer activities around town and vacation road trips you may be spending a lot of time with your kids in the car. For medical personnel this means more automobile accidents. Automobile accidents are one of the leading causes of death and serious injury in children. Proper child restraint can very significantly reduce the likelihood of a bad outcome if you are in a car wreck this summer. Tennessee has child restraint laws that you should know about and be diligent to follow:

• Babies under 1 year old OR under 20 pounds should be in
rear-facing infant safety seat.
• Toddlers between 1-3 years old AND who are over 20 pounds should continue to use a child safety seat, but may now be forward facing.
• Children between 4-8 years old OR who are under 4’9” inches should be restrained with a belt-positioning booster in the rear seat (middle preferably).
• Children 9-12 years old should use your vehicle’s safety belt system. The rear seat is preferred.
• Teens 13 years and up should also use your vehicle’s
safety belt system.

Research shows that almost 20% of high school students say they rarely or never wear a seat belt when riding in cars. Teen drivers are also more likely to speed and take other driving risks. Be sure to set firm rules with your teen—and be a good role model! Tennessee law requires all teens with a learner’s permit or an intermediate license to observe the following rules:

• Always wear a safety belt.
• Only one passenger is allowed unless one of the passengers is 21 years or older or the passengers are siblings of the driver.
• Avoid talking on cell phones while driving.
• Avoid driving after 11PM (10PM with a learners permits) and before 6AM unless accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

These are more than just laws. They are based on medical research and good common sense. Keep your kids and family safe this summer and year round by making a habit of knowing and observing these laws.