Simulation of a 6-year-old Child in a 35 mph Crash with and without a Booster Seat 

While any restraint is better than none, a seat belt that doesn’t fit properly can cause a pattern of injury known as “Seat Belt Syndrome,” which can include spinal fractures and abdominal organ injuries.
Correct restraint: The top simulation shows a 6-year-old child properly restrained with an adult seat belt in a belt-positioning booster seat during a 35 miles/hour crash.
Incorrect restraint: At bottom, the same child, without a belt-positioning booster seat is now slouching down in the vehicle seat with an adult seat belt. The inappropriate fit of the seat belt causes the lap portion of the seat belt to ride up on the child's stomach and compress the organs and spine. This child is at risk for severe spine and abdominal injury.
Video courtesy of: Center for Injury Research and Prevention at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. For more information on how to choose and install child safety seats and booster seats, go to www.chop.edu/carseat.