Public Health

Childhood Injury Prevention

Child Car Seats Save Lives!

Using the correct car seat for your child’s age and size every time your child is in a motor vehicle significantly reduces risk of serious injury or death.

Picture showing proper car seat usage

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Washington State requires car seats and boosters

In January 2020, Washington State updated their child restraint laws to require that:

  • Children up to age 2 must be properly secured in a rear-facing car seat.
  • Children ages 2-4 years must ride in a car seat with a harness (rear or forward facing).
  • Children 4 and older must ride in a car or booster seat until they are 4’9″ tall.
  • Children over height 4’9” must be secured by a properly fitted seat belt (typically starting at 8-12 years old).
  • Children up to age 13 must ride in the back seat when possible.

Click here to view the current Washington Child Passenger Restraint Law (RCW 46.61.687).

Do you need a car seat or booster seat?

Through the generous support of the Kittitas County Law and Justice Council, the Kittitas County Public Health Department has a limited number of car seats and booster seats available for families who are not able to purchase one on their own.

For more information, including to request a car seat or booster seat, please contact the Kittitas County Public Health Department at 509-962-7515 or by emailing publichealth@co.kittitas.wa.us.

How to Avoid Common Mistakes

Facts & Figures

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

  • Motor vehicle injuries are a leading cause of death among children in the United States.
  • In the U.S during 2016, 723 children ages 12 years and younger died as occupants in motor vehicle crashes, and more than 128,000 were injured.
  • Car seat use reduces the risk for injury in a crash by 71-82% for children when compared to seat belt use alone.
  • Booster seat use reduces the risk for serious injury by 45% for children aged 4-8 years when compared with seat belt use alone.
  • Child restraint systems are often used incorrectly. An estimated 46% of car and booster seats (59% of car seats and 20% of booster seats) are misused in a way that could reduce their effectiveness.

Resources & Links