AAA research of five-year crash statistics found that child car safety and booster seat use drops almost 10% between ages 3 and 4, though the nonprofit says most children aren’t secure with a seat belt alone until 10 to 12 years old.

The drop-off is concerning, considering that 37% of children ages 7 to 11, a third of those 4 to 6, and 26% of passengers 0 to 3 who are killed in auto crashes are unrestrained, according to the motor clubs federation. 

In addition, two-thirds of child car seats checked last year were incorrectly installed or used, AAA said, citing National Digital Car Seat Check Form data.  

Part of the drop-off in car seat usage after children turn 3 could be due to a misconception that age is the deciding factor, whereas height is actually the measurement parents should go by, AAA said. Based on the crucial factor, it said some children older than 10 may be safest in a booster seat.

Child restraints in passenger cars cut traffic deaths among babies younger than 1 by 71% and in children 1 to 4 by 54%, AAA said, referencing U.S. transportation department data.

AAA pointed to online resources where caregivers can learn about car restraint checks and installation guidance.

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