Who is responsible for child passengers under 8 years old?

The driver's responsibility for securing a child safety seat correctly emphasizes the importance of ensuring the safety of child passengers. In Guam, as in many places, the law mandates that drivers are accountable for the safety of their passengers, especially children under 8 years old. This involves ensuring that appropriate child safety seats are used based on the child’s age, weight, and height.

Having a correctly installed child safety seat is crucial, as it significantly reduces the risk of fatal or serious injury in the event of a crash. The responsibility falls on the driver rather than just the child’s parent or front passenger because the driver is in control of the vehicle and is, therefore, in the best position to ensure that all safety measures are adhered to before starting the trip.

While parents and other passengers can assist, the ultimate legal responsibility rests with the driver, who must guarantee that all safety protocols for child passengers are followed diligently. Thus, this focus on the driver's responsibility helps reinforce the importance of vehicle safety and protects the most vulnerable occupants on the road.