On a positive note regarding a sad topic, motor vehicle deaths among children, age 12 and under, decreased by 43% in the past decade. The information comes from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which published a positive report in February 2014.

There is still a lot of work to do, because more than 650 children, age 12 and under, died in crashes in 2011. The CDC correctly urges parents to use the correct car seat or booster seat that is age and size-appropriate.

On related topic, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), announced in February 2014, that Graco is performing a recall of several models of its toddler and booster child restraints for model years 2009-2013. A defect in the harness buckle may make it difficult to remove the child from the restraint. This could be especially dangerous in the event of an emergency situation, such as a vehicle collision or fire. Owners may contact Graco at 1-800-345-4109 or the NHTSA on their Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-7417 or go to www.safecar.gov.