Public Health Dept Press Release re:child safety seat law

Important Changes to Children’s Safety Seat Law

The age that children must remain in a booster seat changed on January 1^st.  Children eight years or older who are not tall enough for a seat belt to fit properly must now ride in a booster or car seat in the back seat.  The previous law required that children remain in a booster seat until the age of six or until they weighed sixty pounds.  The new law focuses on age and the proper fit of the seat belt to improve the safety of children in vehicles.

“Keeping children in booster seats increases their chance of surviving a crash by 45 percent,” said Dr. Dean Kelaita, County Health Officer.  In Calaveras County motor vehicle accidents are one of the leading causes of death.

A booster seat simply “boosts” the child up in order to make the adult-sized belt safely fit a child’s body.  Never let your child put the shoulder belt behind his arm or back.  If the child is placing the shoulder belt behind him, this is a sign that he may still need a booster seat.  A child fits an adult seat belt when:

·         He can sit against the vehicle seat back with his knees bent without slouching, and can comfortably stay in this position throughout the trip.

·         The lap belt is low on the hips touching the upper thighs.

·         The shoulder belt crosses the shoulder and chest without touching the face or the neck.

There is a fine for violating the new law.  For each child less than 16 years old who is not properly secured in safety seats or safety belts, parents (if in the car) or the driver can be fined a minimum of $475 and get a point on their driving record.

Free assessments and safety seats are available through the Public Health Department’s Child Passenger Safety Program, the Resource Connection and the local California Highway Patrol office.  Families can call the Public Health Department at 754-6460 for an appointment.

For more information about car seats, the new law or help in determining if your child still needs a booster seat, call the Public Health Department at 754-6460 or visit our website at www.calaveraspublichealth.com.