AAA report finds sharp decline in child safety seat use

A new analysis of nationwide crash data from AAA reveals a sharp decline in the use of child safety seats and booster seats as children age. Data shows that while 78% of 3-year-olds injured in crashes between 2020 and 2024 were using proper restraints, that number drops to less than 45% by age 6.

Further findings from the National Digital Car Seat Check Form (NDCF) indicate that 86.5% of children inspected in 2025 had transitioned to an adult seatbelt prematurely. Safety experts note that children as old as 10 to 12 may still require booster seats to ensure seatbelts fit correctly and safely.

Car crashes remain a primary cause of death for children. Between 2020 and 2024, more than 3.7 million children were involved in crashes nationwide, resulting in over 500,000 injuries and more than 2,800 deaths.