"Many of the children who are injured or killed in a car crash are either completely 3unrestrained or using a restraint 4improperly."

Dr. Maneesha Agarwal with Children's Healthcare of Atlanta says the most important thing parents can do to keep children safe on the road is to use the right seat in the right way.

First, make sure to buy the right car seat. Very young children need to ride in 5rear-facing seats as long as possible, until they hit the maximum height and weight suggested on the seat.

Then a 6forward-facing seat is the next step, 7followed by a booster seat. Check the seat's manual for maximum height and weight limit.

"And if you've 8thrown out the 9instruction manual, most of these car seat 10manufacturers have really helpful websites where you can find that manual and figure out what that height and weight limit is."

Next, make sure the seat is properly 11installed. The Safe Kids Worldwide organization says use either the seat belt or lower anchors to secure it. Don't use both at the same time.

Forward-facing seats need a 12tether with the seat belt or lower 13anchors. A properly-fitted harness can also provide protection.

Agarwal says a child passenger safety technician — found at some places like fire stations — can help make sure your seat is set up correctly.

"You may be the world's safest driver, but you cannot 14account for every other human being out there on the road."