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 CAR SEAT SAFETY TIPS
WHAT IS THE LAW CONCERNING BOOSTER SEATS?
Children under 4 years of age are required to use a child restraint device. Nonuse is a primary offense. Children 4 to under 8 years of age are required to use a booster seat. It is a secondary offense. The fine is a sliding fine up to $100.00. The money will continue to go into a fund to purchase child safety seats for loaner programs that distribute child safety seats across Pennsylvania. Charges may be dismissed by the District Justice if proof of purchase or loan of a child passenger safety seat/booster seat is introduced into evidence.
Drivers and passengers 8 to 18 of age are required to be restrained anywhere in the vehicle. This is a secondary violation. The fine is $10.00.
IS YOUR CHILD READY FOR A BOOSTER SEAT?
Take this 5-step test to find out.
1. When the child sits all the way back against the vehicle seat back does his/her knees bend comfortably at the edge of the vehicle seat?
2. Does the shoulder belt cross between the child’s neck and arm?
3. Does the lap belt cross the child’s body as low as possible? Does it cross the child’s thighs?
4. Is the child able to sit comfortably in this position for the length of the trip?
5. Is the child 8 years of age or older?
If the answer to any of these questions is:
NO- Then your child needs to remain in a booster seat in order to ride safely in the vehicle.
YES- Then your child is ready to graduate from the booster seat to a lap and shoulder belt.
Other Facts...
From 19 -1999, there were 1,934 traumatic brain injuries to children under 5 years and 1,678 to children 5-9 years, of which 64% occurred when children were injured riding in a car.-- (PA Dept. of Health).
Children restrained in seatbelts instead of a child safety seats or booster seats are 3.5 times more likely to suffer serious injuries in a crash. -- (2001, State Farm Insurance, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia).
Booster seat use for children under 7 years of age reduces the risk of injuries by 60% compared to children using adult seat belts. -- (2001, State Farm Insurance, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia).
In 2000, there were 1,406 children under the age of 4 injured, 14 killed and of children 4 to 7 years of age, there were 2,143 injured and 10 killed in motor vehicle crashes. -- (PA Dept. of Transportation).
It costs $25 or less for a backless booster seat. The average cost for care of a child injured in a car crash is approximately $24,000. -- (1999, PA Dept. of Health,).
SAFE CAR TRAVEL
PROPER CHILD SAFETY USE CHART
Buckle Everyone. Children Age 12 and Under in Back! |
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INFANTS |
TODDLER |
UNDER 4’9” and 80 POUNDS |
| WEIGHT |
Birth to 1 year AND at least 20 pounds. |
Over 1 year and 20 pounds. |
Over 40 pounds
Ages 4 to 8 years
Height of 4’9” and 80 pounds. |
| TYPE OF SEAT |
Infant-only or rear-facing convertible. |
Forward-facing Convertible OR any seat equipped with a harness rated to at least 40 pounds. |
Belt-positioning booster seat. |
| SEAT POSITION |
Rear-facing only. |
Forward-facing. |
Forward-facing. |
| ALWAYS MAKE SURE: |
Harness straps at or below the shoulder level. |
Harness straps should be at or above the shoulders. Most convertible seats require the harness in the top slot for forward facing. |
The booster seat assures that the lap portion rides low across the thigh area and the shoulder belt fits snug crossing the chest. |
| WARNING |
Infants should never travel behind an airbag. |
All children 12 years and under should travel in the back seat. |
Belt-positioning booster seats MUST be used with lap/shoulder belts. All children 12 years and under should travel in the back seat. |
95 PERCENT OF CHILDREN WHO ARE BETWEEN 4 TO 8 ARE RIDING AT RISK
There are two types of booster seats to use depending on your vehicle and your child’s weight…
High-back Belt-Positioning Booster
If your vehicle's seat back is lower than your child's ears, use this seat to PROTECT your child's head and neck. Some booster seats have a harness system for children under 40 pounds. The harness is removed at 40 pounds and then used as a belt-positioning booster.
Backless Booster Seat
If your vehicle's seat back is higher than your child's ears, use this seat.
Prices for booster seats range from $20 - $65.
* Vehicles must be equipped with lap/shoulder belts in order to use a booster seat.
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