SAN ANTONIO – Child safety seats reduce the risk of death among toddlers by more than half, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
But even when they are in use, car seats may not be as effective because an estimated 59 percent of them are used incorrectly.
The KSAT Defenders looked at seat belt and child safety seat statistics after a car crash Tuesday morning killed a 6- and 8-year-old child, and one adult. Two other children under the age of 3 and two adults were critically injured.
According to the CDC, car seats reduce the risk of death for children under the age of infants by 71 percent.
They reduce the risk of death of toddlers between the ages of 1 and 4 years old by 54 percent.
For kids, between the ages of 4 and 8 years old, booster seats reduce the risk of death by 45 percent.
The CDC reports an estimated 59 percent of car seats and 20 percent of booster seats are used incorrectly.
Seat belts decrease the risk of death in a car wreck by half.
In 2012, 94 percent of front seat passengers in Texas wore seat belts.
Compare that to 86 percent nationwide in 2012.
All Texas drivers and passengers are required to wear a seat belt. Those found not wearing a safety belt can be fined $50 to $250.
Click here for information on what kind Texas seat belt and child safety seat requirements.