In Texas, children must be at least 8 years old, or 4’9” tall to legally ride in the front seat of a vehicle — but age and height aren’t the only factors that determine their safety. According to the Texas Department of Transportation, motor vehicle accidents remain one of the leading causes of injury and death among children in the state.
No matter how careful you are behind the wheel, you can’t control the reckless decisions of other drivers. While a child safety seat or restraint system can’t prevent a serious car or truck accident from happening, they can offer life-saving protection when the unthinkable occurs. Child passenger safety starts with ensuring they are properly buckled up in an approved car seat or booster.
Read on to learn more about Texas’s front seat laws for children, why child safety seats are essential, and how our Undefeated Houston Car Accident Lawyers can stand up, fight, and win for your family if you were harmed on Texas roads.Texas Safety Laws for Child Passengers
Children in Texas must be over 8 years old or at least 4 feet 9 inches tall to legally sit in the front seat of a car. Why can’t smaller children sit in the front seat? Airbag safety is one of the main reasons for this requirement. Front airbags are designed for older children and adults, but they can be dangerous for younger children.
In Texas, those under 8 years old or under 4’9” must be secured in a child safety seat or booster seat. Failing to properly restrain a child in a child safety seat and/or seatbelt can result in the driver being fined up to $250. What if your child reaches 8 years old but is not 4’9” tall? They can still ride in the front seat with only a regular seatbelt, under Texas law. Meanwhile, if a child is not 8 years old yet but is taller than 4’9”, they can also ride in the front seat of a car.
Understanding Seats and Safety Devices for Children in Texas
Due to the high risk of injury to children in car accidents, safety devices and seat belts of different types are required. The seats and devices required are based on a child’s age or size. The Texas Department of Transportation sets the following safety rules:
- When driving, any children in the car must be restrained in a car seat or booster seat appropriate for their size and age.
- Children old enough to sit in a front facing seat must be properly harnessed. Children 4-8 years old will generally sit in a front facing car seat or booster seat in the rear of the vehicle.
- When children reach 8 years old or 4 feet, 9 inches in height, they can safely use a standard seat belt without a booster seat according to Texas law. Children of this age or size can also ride in the front seat.
In conclusion, ensuring the safety of children in vehicles is a priority in Texas, with specific laws outlining the proper use of car seats and safety devices based on a child’s age, size, and development.
Why Child Safety Rules for Vehicles Matter in Texas
Children are the most vulnerable passengers anywhere on the road in Texas. Due to a child’s smaller size and developing body, they can face serious risks of injury in any type of car accident. Children in car accidents are at higher risk for:
- Head and Brain Injuries: Injuries to a child’s head can include concussions, skull fractures, and traumatic brain injuries.
- Neck and Back Injuries: A child’s neck, back, and spine are still developing and can be easily injured. Sadly, neck and back injuries can cause long-term damage and even paralysis.
- Chest Injuries: Broken ribs, soft tissue damage, and internal bleeding can result due to injuries caused by the impact of a car accident.
- Cuts, Lacerations, and Burns: Children are at high risk for these types of injuries when their car is hit in an accident.
In addition to the serious physical injuries noted above, children can experience emotional distress, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Through a personal injury claim, a Texas car accident lawyer can seek economic and non-economic damages for children injured in a car accident.
Consult a Texas Car Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation
Child safety is a paramount concern for Texas drivers, and Texas sets laws to make sure children of different sizes are safe when riding in a vehicle. To ride in the front seat of a car in Texas, children must be either 8 years old or 4 feet, 9 inches. The reason for this is safety in the event of an accident. If a vehicle accident does happen, you and your family can seek financial compensation through a personal injury lawsuit. The Texas car accident lawyers at Zehl & Associates can help. Call us today to schedule a free consultation.
Undefeated Texas Car Accident Lawyers: 1-888-603-3636
With Billions won and decades of experience, our Houston Car Accident Lawyers have recovered some of the largest Record-Breaking Verdicts and Settlements for crash victims in Texas history. We do whatever it takes to ensure our clients and their families receive the maximum compensation possible for all of their injuries and losses.
If you or a loved one suffered a serious or fatal injury in a Houston car crash, our attorneys are here to help. Call 1-866-603-3636 or send us a confidential email through our Contact Us form.
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We proudly serve Harris County, Midland County, and throughout the state of Texas. We are located in Houston and Midland and throughout the state of Texas:
Zehl & Associates Injury & Accident Lawyers – Houston
2700 Post Oak Blvd #1000, Houston, TX 77056
(888) 603-3636
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Zehl & Associates Injury & Accident Lawyers – Midland
306 W Wall St Suite 701, Midland, TX 79701
(432) 220-0000
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