West Virginia (WOAY) A new AAA analysis is highlighting a concerning trend when it comes to child passenger safety: children are moving out of car seats and booster seats too soon.
Between 2020 and 2024, 78% of three-year-olds injured in crashes were properly restrained in a child safety seat or booster seat.
But by age six, that number dropped to just 45%.
AAA says new inspection data also found that 86.5% of children evaluated in 2025 had transitioned to an adult seat belt too soon.
West Virginia law requires children under eight years old who are under 57 inches tall to use a proper child safety restraint.
If a child reaches 57 inches before turning eight, a standard seat belt is legally sufficient.
AAA says parents shouldn’t rush the transition.
A child should remain in the appropriate restraint based on their age, height, weight, and development.
And the need is significant.
More than 3.7 million children were involved in crashes nationwide between 2020 and 2024.
More than 500,000 were injured, and more than 2,800 were killed.
AAA recommends parents have their child’s car seat checked by a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician, especially when installing a new seat, changing vehicles, or moving to the next stage.
For more information on car seat safety and inspections, visit AAA or the National Safety Council online.
