National Child Passenger Safety Week kicked off Sept. 15, and as part of the awareness effort, the organization Safe Kids Today released a new safety study with the General Motors Foundation. Titled "Buckle Up: Every Ride, Every Time," the report found that many parents are not using seatbelts effectively with their children. 

According to the study, about 21 percent of parents believe it is acceptable to drive with children unrestrained in specific circumstances, such as when they are only driving a short distance or traveling overnight. However, these instances can be among the most dangerous for passengers. Approximately 60 percent of accidents involving children occur 10 minutes or less from home, and kids are more likely to be injured in crashes at night than during the day. 

"As kids grow up, it can be easy to forget the importance of taking time to buckle up, especially on a quick or overnight trip. Unfortunately, exceptions can lead to tragedies," said Mike Robinson, a vice president at GM. "The research findings underscore the importance of remaining vigilant about buckling up throughout a child's lifetime. There is no reason important enough to take the risk." 

Safety doesn't stop when kids are old enough to drive themselves, either. New drivers need to buckle up just as much as young children, and engraining the habit of automatically using a seatbelt can protect them in many situations on the roads. 

Parents, young drivers and other motorists should be on the lookout for a vehicle that blends their desire for style with the need for safety. At New Jersey State Auto Auction, they can browse through a wide selection of CARFAX-certified cars, truck and vans, many of which are both safe and attractive.