TRAFFIC EDUCATION AND ENFORCEMENT PROGRAMS

Are You Booster Seat Ready?

In California, traffic crashes are the leading cause of death for children from 4 to 16 years old. As of January 1st, 2002 California Vehicle Code requires children to ride in a child safety seat or a booster seat (which ever is appropriate for their size) until they are 6 years old or 60 lbs.

Our new law still falls short of protecting all children. Generally, a child who is 6 years old or weighs less than 60 lbs. is too small for the adult seat belt. The lap portion of the belt rides up over the stomach area and the shoulder belt cuts across the neck or face. In a crash this can cause serious injury or death.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration children need to be 8 years old or 4' 9" tall before they can properly fit into the seat belt. If your child cannot properly fit into the seat belt they should be using a booster seat. The booster seat will boost up the child and position the seat belt over the strong bones of their body. This allows them to receive the maximum protection in a crash. Using a booster seat reduces serious injury by 75% rather than using a seat belt alone. Passengers riding properly restrained in the back seat are 40% safer than riding in the front seat.

Take this simple five-step test to tell if you child needs a booster seat. .

1. Does the child sit with their back all the way against the back of the vehicle seat?
2. Do the child's knees bend comfortably at the edge of the vehicle seat cushion?
3. Is the lap belt low and on the tops of the child's thighs?
4. Is the shoulder belt centered across the chest, in between the shoulder and neck?
5. Can the child stay seated like this for the whole trip?

If you answered "no" to any of these questions, your child needs a booster seat to ride safety in the car.

How to choose a booster seat for your child:

Before you buy, try the booster in your car to make sure the vehicle lap belt is low and across the top of the child's thighs and the shoulder strap crosses the center of the child's chest. Use the comfort clip (on the side or attaches to a strap) only if necessary to keep the edge of the belt from scraping the neck.

If your vehicle has headrests, then you can choose a backless booster seat. The average price is $25.00. If your vehicle does not have headrests then you need to purchase a high back booster seat, average price is $29.00. All booster seats must be used with a lap and shoulder belt.

A message from the Livermore Police Department's Traffic Division. Car seats and booster seats work well to protect children but only if you use them. Remember to always buckle up and ride safe, "No exception and no excuses.

If you have any questions feel free to call Livermore Police Department Traffic Education Officer Traci Rebiejo who is a certified child passenger safety technician-instructor. (925) 371-4858