Since Minnesota’s strengthened child passenger safety law became effective July 1, 2009, crash data reveal a significant increase in booster seats — seat lifts that help adult seat belts fit children properly.
During 2007-09, the Department of Public Safety reports only 44 percent
of booster-age (4–7) children involved in crashes were in booster seats. In the year since the law became effective (July 1, 2009–June 30, 2010), 59 percent of children in crashes were in boosters — translating to more than 1,000 children in booster seats who suffered no injury.
“Booster seats are a critical step to ensure a child’s safety in a vehicle,” says Heather Darby, DPS child passenger safety coordinator. “While many parents may think dealing with child seats is a pain, I can’t think of any greater pain than losing a child in a crash.”
Boosters are for children who have outgrown a forward-facing seat, usually starting around 40 pounds and age 4. Under the state’s law, children cannot be secured in only a seat belt until they are 8 years old or 4 feet 9 inches tall — whichever comes first.
Lack of booster seat use results in poor seat belt fit that can contribute to serious injury and ejection from a vehicle in the event of a traffic crash. A sign that a seat belt does not fit properly and a booster is needed is if a child wraps the shoulder belt behind himself to avoid the belt rubbing against the neck or crossing the face. Belts should be low and snug across the hips; shoulder straps should never be tucked under an arm or behind the back.
The fine for booster seat non-use is $50, but can cost more than $100 with administrative fees.
Parents and caregivers are encouraged to learn more at the DPS website, www.buckleupkids.state. mn.us for materials including the “Buckle Up Kids” and “Don’t Skip a Step” brochures that provide detail on how to properly secure a child in a vehicle.
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