Did you know that motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of unintentional injuries and death among children in the United States. In fact, on average in Maryland, 8 children under age 16 are killed and 3,200 seriously injured every year as motor vehicle passengers according to 2010 statistics.

In an attempt to reduce the injuries and death among Maryland’s children, the state passed a Child Passenger Safety law, effective October 1, 2013, applicable to both in-state and out-of-state vehicles, and requiring the following:

• All children under the age of eight years to ride in an appropriate child restraint,* unless the child is 4’9” or taller.
• Every child from 8 to 16 years old who is not secured in a child restraint must be secured in the vehicle’s seat belt, in every seating position in the vehicle.

Get the details regarding the Child Passenger Safety Law. 

Kids In Safety Seats (KISS)

KISS is a state-wide, non-profit program funded through a federal grant. The program is designed to help people to people to obtain and use car seats and booster seats correctly each time a child rides in a motor vehicle.

Kids In Safety Seats (KISS) provides a variety of services to Maryland families who are striving to keep their young passengers safe on the roads. Among them are:

• Reduced cost purchase and special needs loaner programs
• Training
• Car Seat Inspections
• Information Clearinghouse

Auto Insurance Tip

As you consider this important safety issue and assure that your vehicle is in compliance with Maryland’s new Child Passenger Safety Law, it is also a good time to check with your insurance agent to be sure that you have the best coverage to meet the needs of your family.

Feel free to contact our office at your convenience to have a Howley Insurance agent help you explore your options and offer you the peace of mind in knowing that you have a secure auto insurance plan in place.