Booster Seats Use Remained Steady in 2015, Finds NHTSA

Booster seat use for child passengers ages 4-7 decreased slightly in 2015 over previous figures, according to data made available Sept 19 by NHTSA. The percentage was 44.5% compared to 46.3 % in the earlier measurement from 2013. NHTSA noted that this was an insignificant change. Indeed, its report indicates that since 2006, over seven samplings, the number has ranged between about 41% and 46% with one exception: 36.9% in 2007.

The report (bit.ly/2dcyQ4D) also looked at premature graduation, which refers to moving children too-early to seats meant for older ages. About 12.6% of those under 1 year were moved too early from rear facing seats, mostly to front facing. For age 1-3, about 13.6% were moved from rear facing too young, the most to boosters. Worst was movement from boosters, with about 25.8% moved at the wrong age or weight/height.