May 22, 2006
Car seat use is in the news. Even those who have no children of their own need to know what is safe -- and what is not. Whether babysitting or chauffeuring around younger siblings, all drivers need to know how to safely transport their younger passengers. "It is not a role
she auditioned for, but pop star Britney Spears has become a poster
woman for child car seat safety. 'In one regard, she's done more
for child safety seat awareness than anyone else in California,'
California Highway Patrol spokesman Tom Marshall said Tuesday. ...
The [California vehicle code] states that child safety seats must
be properly installed according to federal safety guidelines which
recommend that babies up to a year old and at least 20 pounds ride
in them in the back seat facing backward, Marshall said. However,
the singer's publicist Leslie Sloane Zelnik said Spears was in 'total
compliance' with California state law. She cited California Vehicle
Code 27360, requiring that 'all children under the age of 6 or weighing
less than 60 pounds be in safety seats in the back seat of the car,'
Zelnik said in a statement Tuesday. 'Having
a child in the child safety seat facing forward in the rear seat
of the car is in compliance with California law.' But Marshall said
the code contained 'a bit of a gray area.'..." While it may be a legal "gray area," pediatricians have no questions when it comes to safety. "All infants should
ride rear-facing until they have reached at least 1 year of age
and weigh at least 20 pounds. That means that if your baby reaches
20 pounds before her first birthday, she should remain rear-facing
until she turns 1." More than just baby care, children need to be properly buckled into the vehicle. "Each year thousands
of young children are killed or injured in car crashes. You can
help prevent this from happening to your child by always using car
safety seats and seat belts correctly. ..." What is considered "correctly"? What do drivers need to know about seat belt safety before driving anywhere with a child on board? "*Always use a car
safety seat. You can start with your baby's first ride home from
the hospital. Set a good example, know how to use each car seat, remember to use seat belts properly.... It's a lot to think about. And then, there are booster seats. "National statistics
showing less than one out of every five kids between the ages of
four and eight is riding in a car booster seat are a sign of 'failure'
and must be addressed immediately, U.S. Transportation Secretary
Norman Y. Mineta said today during a visit to the Children's Hospital
of Philadelphia. ... Mineta also called on parents to do a better
job, saying they should make sure their children are in booster
seats regardless of local statutes. 'Just
because they may not be the law of the land, does not mean they
should not be the law of your house,' Mineta said. ... 'Either way,
ignorance isn't bliss... it's deadly,' he said." "[M]ake sure ... children are in booster seats regardless of local statutes. 'Just because they may not be the law of the land, does not mean they should not be the law of your house'..." Depending upon the state, the laws will be different. No matter what the law is in any given state, doctors and those involved with transportation safety want all drivers (and passengers) to make the safest choices... whether or not there is a law saying that is the choice they should be making. "As of February 13,
2006, 34 States and the District of Columbia had enacted provisions
in their child restraint laws requiring the use of an appropriate
restraint device or booster seat by children who have outgrown their
child safety seats but are still too small to use an adult safety
belt correctly. ... Specific provisions vary widely from State to
State. All laws include an age limit, but some States also emphasize
weight limits, while others also stipulate height requirements." At the above site, maps
are available to help people know the age requirements for booster
seat use where they live. Provisions vary. Other restrictions apply.
Drivers need to know what the laws are in their own state, but also
in any other states in which they might drive. For example: There is a lot of information out there. Parents, siblings, and babysitters need to know what questions to ask, what information they should have, and how to create the safest possible environment for the young passengers in their care. "With the wide variety
of child restraint systems, belt systems and passenger vehicles,
correctly installing a child restraint system can be challenging.
This web site is designed to help you identify and learn how to
correct common mistakes when installing a child restraint and securing
your child in the restraint. Making the right connections will help
improve overall protection for your child. Always read child restraint
and vehicle manufacturers‚ instructions for proper use and
installation information." Questions of the Week:
Please email me with any ideas or suggestions. I look forward to reading what you have to say. Cindy |
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