One of NOBLE's new initiatives is to help bring attention to the alarming problem of children being seriously injured and/or killed in automobile crashes. Despite aggressive campaigns and occupant protection laws, automobile crashes continue to kill children at an alarming rate. Each year, approximately 1,800 children age fourteen and under are killed as occupants in motor vehicles.

 

Studies have consistently shown that car seats when correctly installed significantly reduce the risk of injury and/or death if involved in a crash. Recent studies done throughout the United States show that four out of five child safety seats are installed incorrectly. Some factors contributing to the difficulty of using child safety seats correctly include: a variety of age and size requirement; incompatibility between the car seat and the vehicle design; improper seating position; and gaps in occupant safety protection laws.