I’m no crash test dummy
Ontario introduced a new booster seat law on September 1st, designed to protect young passengers from death or serious injury while riding in motor vehicles.
Booster seats are required for children:
• Under the age of 8 years
• Children weighing more than 18 kg (40 lbs) but less than 36 kg (80 lbs)
• Stand less than more than 145 cm (4 feet 9 inches)
A child can use a seatbelt alone once any one of the following criteria is met:
• Child turns 8 years old
• Child weighs 36 kg (80 lbs)
• Child is 145 cm (4 feet 9 inches) tall
The law makes it mandatory for call caregivers – from baby sitters to grandparents – transporting children to ensure they are properly secured in an infant seat, child seat or booster seat.
According to Safe Kids Canada more than 35 children between the ages of 4 to 9 years of age are killed and another 360 seriously injured in motor vehicle crashes every year in Canada, most of which could be prevented by correctly using a booster seat in the back seat of your vehicle with a lap and shoulder belt.
Seat belts are designed for an adult-sized body and older, larger children, not a child. Booster seats work by raising a child so the seatbelt fits properly and crosses the hip bones and chest for more protection. Compared to seatbelts alone, booster seats help reduce the risk of serious injury to a child by 75%.