Car accidents are the leading cause of death of children between ages 1 to 14 in the US. Over half of them happen with the child not buckled in, many more when the seat is not being used properly. Correct use of car seats and boosters helps save lives - infant seats have shown to reduce fatal injury by 71%, toddler seats by 54%.

It has been estimated that up to three quarters of the car seats in US are not being used properly - they aren't attached right or the car seat isn't right for the child. Before you buy a car seat, consider the type of your car and the size of your child. Make sure to upgrade your car-seat when the child has grown out of the previous to ensure a snug fit and maximum protection. Booster seats should be used until the child is big enough to have a good hold by using regular lap and shoulder belt. Don't forget that a backseat is the safest place for everybody to travel, so keep your children there.

To make sure your child's seat is attached right in your car, read and follow the owner's manual to the letter, referring to in whenever needed. If in doubt, you should have the installation checked professionally. In US, go to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's website and find a safety seat inspection station nearest you.

Even though it's been recommended that a child rides facing backwards until he is 1 year of age and weighs 20 pounds, it is a good idea to have him rear-facing for as long as possible. That is the safest way to travel.

It makes no difference if your car seat is installed properly if your child isn't in it or buckled into it. Always take the time to buckle your child into the seat. Even if you drive just a block, you can never know what might happen. If your child doesn't like being buckled in, try making it a game or give him a snack to get his mind off it. And to make sure you aren't running late, leave yourself a few minutes extra just for buckling the child to make sure he'll be traveling safe.

As you lead by example, never forget to buckle yourself either.