Survey: Why are parents not buckling up kids?

Washington – One-quarter of parents may be allowing their child to ride in a car without being buckled into a car or booster seat, according to a new report from Safe Kids Worldwide.

Released Sept. 13, the report is based on a survey of 1,002 parents and caregivers of children 10 or younger. Responses indicated that men, as well as parents who were young, have a household income of $100,000 or more, and completed graduate school, were more likely to not fully buckle their child up all the time.

Twenty-one percent of parents surveyed said driving with a child unrestrained was acceptable when going a short distance, and 16 percent made exceptions for overnight trips. Other justifications included the car or booster seat was missing, the child was in an adult’s lap, or to reward the child.

Safe Kids advised parents to fully buckle up kids on every ride, make sure other adults who drive your child follow the same practice, and properly install the right car seat.