Under new legislation passed by the House on Monday, May 12, children under the age of 8 would have to ride in a booster seat. The measure passed by a vote of 99-44.
Currently, booster seat requirements only apply to children under the age of 5 who are less than 36 inches in height. This new piece of legislation, which has already passed in the Senate, would extend the booster seat requirement to children under the age of 8 who are less than 4 feet 9 inches tall.
Supporters of the measure dismiss arguments that the legislation will pose a financial burden on parents who drive with multiple small children. These advocates counter that booster seats only cost between $15 to $40 each. Represent Allen Vaught of Dallas does not believe the legislation will be cost prohibitive for families. Says Vaught, “”We’re talking about $10 for a doggone booster seat. That’s too much to save a life?”
According to Paula Yuma, an injury prevention expert with Dell Children’s Medical Center, riding in a booster seat reduces a child’s risk of being injured in a car accident by 59%. Because seat belts are made for adult bodies and not children’s, says Yuma, they can cause injury to a child’s spinal cord and internal organs.
If you or your child has been injured in a car accident, contact us today by completing the form on this website. Fears Nachawati is a personal injury law firm who helps victims of car accidents obtain compensation for their injuries. For more free information contact us at 1.866.705.7584 or by email at info@fnlawfirm.com.