Tag Archives: guidelines

Highway Safety, Safe Driving Tips, Teens

Female Drunk Drivers On The Rise

According to a new study by the Traffic Injury Research Foundation, the number of female drivers arrested for drunk driving has more than doubled in the last twenty years.

In 1980, females accounted for just 9 percent of alcohol-related arrests.  By 2004, that number increased to 20 percent.

The report recommends ways to make it easier for females to participate in treatment programs, including providing child care and single-gender programs.

From the report: “Since the increase in female drunk driving behavior first garnered
attention in the late 1980s6, there have been three main hypotheses regarding factors associated with this phenomenon. These explanations center on changes in female roles in society, changes in social norms, and changes in social control mechanisms.”  You can read the full report here.

What do you think?  Why is drunk driving among females on the rise?

Child Passenger Safety

NHTSA Car Seat Guidelines

child safety seat

A few weeks ago, NHTSA released updated safety recommendations for traveling with children in cars.  Here are the essentials:

  • Birth – 12 Months: always use a rear-facing car seat in the back seat
  • 1 – 3 Years: Once the child has reached the upper limit for height or weight for the rear-facing seat, graduate him/her to a forward-facing seat with a full harness.
  • 4 – 7 Years: Once your child has reached the upper limit for height or weight for the forward-facing seat, graduate him/her to a booster seat – but keep your child in the back seat.
  • 8 – 12 Years: Keep your child in a booster seat until he/she is big enough to fit in a seat belt properly.

Click here to download a printable flyer for easy reference.

Proper Seat Belt Fit

For a safety belt to fit properly, the lap belt must lie snugly across the upper thighs, not the stomach.  The shoulder belt should lie snugly across the shoulder and chest and not cross the neck or face.  Remember, your child should still ride in the back seat because it’s safer there.

Need Help Mounting Your Car Seat Properly?

SafeKids routinely sets up free car seat inspection stations around the area, where a professional will help you install your seat properly, and can even help you determine whether a given seat is appropriate for your child.  Visit www.safekids.org to see a list of upcoming events for PA.