Child seat and booster use drops when children turn three, according to AAA analysis of five years of government crash data.
The organization said it was a “concerning trend” as there was a continued need for these safety devices.
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration statistics show 100,000 children were injured in car crashes in 2022 alone.
“We know parents and caregivers go to great lengths to protect their children, but it’s easy to overlook the evolving safety needs,” said Rhonda Shah, Traffic Safety and Advocacy Manager for AAA.
“Just like new shoes and clothes, a growing child requires seat adjustments. Traffic safety is central to AAA’s mission, and we are here to help everyone understand what type of child restraint to use and when.”
According to AAA’s analysis, the latest government data reflects a need for parents to ensure they use the correct child restraint system for each growth phase.
National Digital Car Seat Check Form (NDCF) database revealed 74 per cent of car seats inspected in 2023 were improperly installed or used.
And according to the NDCF, almost 25 per cent of children move to booster seats too soon, and just over 93 per cent transition to a seat belt too soon.
Caregivers can check their child’s car seat virtually through an online meeting with National Safety Council staff.
