Government says fewer children killed in car crashes in 2009

Fewer children killed in motor vehicle crashes

WASHINGTON — The government says fewer children were killed on the highway in 2009 but automobile crashes remain the leading cause of death for kids ages 3 to 14.

The Transportation Department says 1,314 children ages 14 and under were killed in 2009. That’s about a 3 percent decline compared with the 1,350 child deaths in 2008.

The government recommends car seats for children up to 40 pounds and booster seats for children over 40 pounds until they are 8 years old. Kids should ride in the back seat until age 13.

Safety groups are holding child seat installation clinics on Saturday around the nation.

Online:

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration: www.nhtsa.gov