Most crashes happen close to home, at speeds below 35 miles per hour. In a car accident, children who aren't wearing a safety belt could slam into the dashboard, smash another person, or crash through the windshield.

Some kids may think seatbelts aren't cool. They need to learn that the coolest kids buckle up, as do astronauts, jet pilots, and race car drivers.

Each year, car crashes injure and kill more kids than any disease. If used properly, child safety seats and safety belts do protect children in a crash and help save lives.

"If used properly . . ." What does that mean? Using a child safety seat correctly makes a big difference. Be sure to read, follow, and keep the directions. Use the safety seat until your child outgrows it -- up to age 4 and 40 pounds.

When your child weighs between 40 and 60 pounds, use a booster seat as instructed by the manufacturer.

When your child is big enough to wear a lap/shoulder belt, make sure the shoulder strap fits snugly. If it crosses the child's face or throat, place it behind the child and use the lap belt only OR use a belt positioning device. Never place a shoulder strap under the child's arm! Buckle lap belts low and snug across the hips, not on the stomach.