Children at Risk as most Car Seats are Installed or Used Incorrectly, shows AAA study

A new AAA analysis of nationwide crash data reveals a troubling pattern: Child safety seat and booster seat use declines sharply with age, starting when kids are just 3 years old. Between 2020 and 2024, 78% of 3-year-olds injured in car crashes were riding in a child safety seat or booster seat. However, only 45% of 6-year-olds injured in crashes were in safety seats.

This steep decline in child restraint use is concerning, because many children have not yet outgrown the need for a car seat or booster seat based on their size and development. In fact, new data from the National Digital Car Seat Check Form (NDCF) found that over 86% of children evaluated during child safety seat inspections in 2025 had transitioned to an adult seat belt too soon. And nearly 74% of the car seats inspected by certified child passenger safety technicians in 2025 were installed or used incorrectly.

Between 2020 and 2024, more than 3.7 million children were involved in crashes nationwide. During that same time, more than 500,000 children were injured and more than 2,800 were killed.

When used correctly, child restraints are highly effective. Car seats reduce the risk of fatal injury by 71% for infants and by 54% for toddlers in passenger cars, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

“Parents take so many precautions to keep their precious children safe, and proper car seat, booster seat and seat belt use is key to ensuring their safety on the road,” said Jillian Young, director of public relations for AAA Northeast. “It’s understandable that many parents may think their growing child is ready for an adult seat belt, but many older children still need booster seats to ensure a safe fit. Free visits with certified child passenger safety technicians are a fantastic resource for parents to make sure their child is safely restrained, no matter their age.”

Only 1 in 5 parents and caregivers report seeking expert assistance with car seat installation or use. While many families seek help before a baby is born or during the first year of life, fewer return for follow-up checks as children grow, even though more than 80% of forward-facing seats inspected were being used incorrectly.