Proposed Ohio booster seat law would impact children as old as 8
If passed, state could receive $1.4 million to help purchase seats for low-income families and educate the public.
> Do you think children should be in car seats/booster seats until age 8?
Thursday, April 03, 2008
COLUMBUS — Preschoolers often celebrate the day they turn 4 and get out of their car seats, but Ohio lawmakers soon may force approximately 620,000 youngsters to ride in booster seats.
Children's Medical Center of Dayton's injury prevention coordinator Jessica Saunders told legislators on Wednesday, April 2, "We have made great strides in educating families about the importance of car seats for children under 4; however, there is still so much work to be done to protect children who are graduating too early into adult seat belts."
Extras
She urged the Ohio House Transportation Committee to join 40 other states that require children between ages 4 and 8 to ride in booster seats, or until they reach 4 feet 9 inches tall.
The chances of a child reaching 4 feet 9 inches before age 8 are slim. Pediatric growth charts published by the federal Centers for Disease Control say the tallest boys and girls typically don't hit 57 inches until a few months past their ninth birthdays.
Seat belts, which are designed for a 170-pound man, don't properly fit young children, which can result in severe injuries in car crashes, Saunders said.
If Ohio passes a stronger booster seat law, the state could receive up to $1.4 million in federal grant money to help purchase boosters for low-income families, educate the public, and enforce the new law. Booster seats can be purchased for less than $15, according to Dayton Children's.
The bill must win approval from the committee, full House, and then go through the same process in the Senate before reaching the governor's desk for signature.
Comments
By Umberto
June 27, 2008 12:10 PM | Link to this
Come detto new-business de modo modelle stato.
By Kira
May 27, 2008 5:49 PM | Link to this
The same parents who are whining over this law and saying that they have been in a minor accident and their kids were just fine will be the same parents crying out when they must disconnect their children’s life support. As a parent you should already have your child in a booster seat till they are 4’9”, 40 lbs and 4 years old. But remember you can not get in your car and say for certain that you will not get in an accident today the same as you can not say it will only be a fender bender.
By Joseph Pasierb
May 25, 2008 10:40 PM | Link to this
Enough is enough
Now the State wants to pass more laws, it is possible that they think that the average person is to stupid to make good decisions concerning our children”s safety. They should worry about their own backyard, each day I use to watch children bouncing on the school buses, they want booster seats for us, but no seat belts for the children they transport.
By Jill
May 23, 2008 11:47 AM | Link to this
I would like to know if the car’s provided safety belts are not performing properly why is it the job of parents to correct it? Shouldn’t car manufactuers be responsible for making the vehicles we purchase safer? I know that some cars now have the optional built in child seat but shouldn’t that sort of thing be STANDARD if it makes the vehicle safe for passangers of all sizes? They spend millions of dollars researching the best placement of cup holders but not improving the cars biggest flaw?
By BeSafe
May 1, 2008 10:20 AM | Link to this
I have a 7 year old. He will be in his booster until 4’9”. We know the importance of this. An 8 year old girl in our community was killed in a car accident last fall. She was not in a booster. There are many injuries that a child can recieve from seat belts that are made for an adult. People should stop complaining about keeping their children safe. Imagine your life without your child and then tell me if you still think it is not important. Protect your children at any cost.
By kelly
April 30, 2008 10:51 PM | Link to this
The government is all about mandating every little thing in our lives, and like lemmings or sheep we allow them. It’s not a question of protecting our children, it’s a question of where the mandates will end. And I don’t believe that children are any safer in a booster seat than buckled in, facing forward with the seat belt. I’ve talked with paramedics who have been on the scene of bus accidents. They’ll be the first to tell you - the government needs to follow it’s own mandates.
By kelly
April 30, 2008 10:44 PM | Link to this
The comment that you shouldn’t have more than 2 kids unless you can afford a bigger car is completely uncalled for. I know a family with three children. For the longest time all they could afford was a sedan. And you couldn’t even fit two carseatsl in there with all three kids. Three seats across the back was not even feasible. And when you are struggling to keep the mortgage paid and kids fed, a bigger car is as out of reach as the moon. Have some compassion.
By kelly
April 30, 2008 10:44 PM | Link to this
The comment that you shouldn’t have more than 2 kids unless you can afford a bigger car is completely uncalled for. I know a family with three children. For the longest time all they could afford was a sedan. And you couldn’t even fit two carseatsl in there with all three kids. Three seats across the back was not even feasible. And when you are struggling to keep the mortgage paid and kids fed, a bigger car is as out of reach as the moon. Have some compassion.
By Protect the Children!!
April 17, 2008 9:27 AM | Link to this
I think it’s funny how so many people are complaining about protecting our children. Putting a child in a booster seat isn’t expensive (Target sells one for less then $20) or an inconvenience. A booster seat “boosts” a child up so that the seat belt is placed where it should be and protects them from injury or DEATH in a crash. If a booster seat is too expensive or too much of an inconvience to protect your child then why did you have a kid in the first place????
By SnowMan
April 7, 2008 10:29 AM | Link to this
I think it’s a good deal,maybe the state can put booster seats on the bus’s are young children ride on 5 days aweek,and seat belts,for the older one’s. It’s the law for us “WHY” NOT THEM!!! I’ve seen first hand children standing up on the bus’s, that pass by my house…Three to a seat.Big brother is on the JOB,when it come to us, It’s only our money,or is it their’s…………S.M.
By another parent
April 5, 2008 7:56 AM | Link to this
Do we really need to go through with this? I would think the time would be better spent with educating parents. Here is a simple guide put out by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration:
http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/people/injury/childps/ParentGuide2005/pages/WhenDoYou.htm
By Brooke
April 5, 2008 12:47 AM | Link to this
My daughters WILL be in a 5 point harness until 80 pounds! Regardless of how the law dictates. I don’t care if you think it can’t happen to you, or a car seat is a hassle.. anything that PROTECTS your child from harm should be used! Whah Whah Whah… cry about the inconvenience, you’ll be thanking your lucky stars if you are ever in a bad crash and your 6 years old is safe in their 5 point harness. Booster smooster. Seat belts fail…. seat belts fail… I’ll say it again.. seat belts FAIL!!!
By Librarymom
April 4, 2008 2:09 PM | Link to this
I think booster seats are a good idea. I think the LAW is unnecessary. I think the fewer laws, the better.
My son used his booster until he was about 5. My daughter is 5 and is still using it in my car, but not in other people’s cars. She prefers her seat because she can see out the window better. We’ll keep using it until she decides she doesn’t want to. We had an accident once in my husband’s car - both kids were seatbelted and fine. My son got a scratch on his neck from the seatbelt
By gken
April 4, 2008 9:40 AM | Link to this
This has nothing to do with the safety of our children. The companies that make booster seats fund most of the studies related to this subject. They are statistically safer by such a small margin by using a booster seat vs a seat belt in the back seat it is within the marging of error. They are looking to make profits and take advantage of people that would wrap there child in bubble wrap if it kept them .00001% safer in falls from 10 feet.
By kycat
April 4, 2008 8:31 AM | Link to this
Unbelieveable the comments that are posted. The government yet again trying to dictate what we do? Are you kidding me. this is an effort to protect our children on the road. Seat belts dont fit correctly for small children ….not like an adult. The reason its necessary is b/c there are MORE cars on the road than 20 years ago. Clark County ranks 11 in 88 counties for CRASHES. What is wrong with protecting our children? This isnt about you this is about our babies.
By Kacey
April 3, 2008 2:24 PM | Link to this
If you search the statistics online the difference between car seats/boosters 18.3 die vrs. seat belts 19.1 in automobile accidents. So there you have if folks. The difference isn’t enough for the government to enforce this law. It’s just another money issue. There are more problematic issues out there that need our governments attention.
By Skeeter
April 3, 2008 2:19 PM | Link to this
I am 49 years old and 4ft10 ½ inches tall. When will this end. Do I end up having to sit in one if they choose to up this just an inch and a half? Good grief!
By N Alexander
April 3, 2008 1:14 PM | Link to this
I think laws that weren’t needed 50 years ago that could have been applied 50 years ago are bad ideas. American children are being turned into the worlds little pansies.
I actually do look forward to when my son hits 4 this year and I don’t have to worry about making sure all the cars have a booster in them. I babysit my cousin’s child, and have my second on the way this summer. I’ll need that space that removing a booster will give. 4~8 should be recommended but not required.
By Hope
April 3, 2008 1:01 PM | Link to this
I think this is an excellent idea! I see lots of parents driving around and their kids are wild in the backseat and not buckled in. This will prevent serious injuries and fines (for the drivers). Parents are truly ignorant if they don’t make their kids buckle up. I make mine do it everytime we get in the car. They don’t have to like it, but they will do it.
By To By Proud Rebublican
April 3, 2008 12:40 PM | Link to this
“You should pay closer attention when your reading especially if your going to post a comment. DUH”
Should be “especially if YOU’RE going to post a comment. DUH”
By Hmm?
April 3, 2008 12:28 PM | Link to this
All children should live in a plastic bubble so they won’t get sick. The floor and walls will be made of soft pillows, so when they fall they won’t get hurt. They would be allowed to have candy, chips, or anything with fat in it. Actaully, maybe they should eat nothing but celery and drink only water so they don’t get fat. This is a great idea!! Protect the Children!!!
Whatever!
By dave
April 3, 2008 12:28 PM | Link to this
Stop giving into these types of revenue generators. Take a stand or drink the Kool-Aid, it’s your choice whether they give you a choice or not!
By Proud Republican
April 3, 2008 12:18 PM | Link to this
The GOVERNMENT definately shouldn’t be mandating their use. They need to educate people not throw laws at them. Those of us who feel they add to the safety of our children are going to use them wether we are told to or not. And just for clarification, the article states it would require children between ages 4 and 8 to ride in booster seats, “OR” until they reach 4 feet 9 inches tall. You should pay closer attention when your reading especially if your going to post a comment. DUH
By Erica
April 3, 2008 12:01 PM | Link to this
This law won’t change anything if enacted….most parents I know w/ small children over age 4 still use a booster/car seat. Its the crazy people with their kids walking around the back of the car who really need to be told what to do….trust me a new law won’t change that. I also have cars w/ only 5 seatbelts in them….you can’t put 3 car seats/booster seats in the back no way! If the middle has a lap belt not shoulder strap a 3rd child can safely sit between the 2 seats when necessary.
By What a wonderful place
April 3, 2008 12:01 PM | Link to this
When I was four, my parents took away the car seat and put in a seatbelt, and I lived. If parents and the government isn’t careful, the children we are raising are going to grow up to be lazy wimps. A booster seat should be a parents’ choice. Besides, I’ve never heard of an accident where a booster seat saved a child’s life (only carseats). And TV is cars are a bad idea too. Kids should read a book or play games in the car while going on a long trip while not riding in a booster seat :)
By cc
April 3, 2008 11:54 AM | Link to this
Many states currently have a similar law. Have these states seen a decline in in deaths or injuries to children of this age. I can see their thinking, but does it really turn out that way?
By josh
April 3, 2008 11:44 AM | Link to this
So if the bus tips or is hit by a truck the kids wont fall out of the seats. WOW that’s some technology.
By Publius
April 3, 2008 11:40 AM | Link to this
On the many comments about school buses lacking seat belts — the seats on buses are designed for beltless safety.
By bobw
April 3, 2008 11:37 AM | Link to this
Oh thank you so much for thinking FOR me again! Can we just be honest about this…. The reason for this is, “If Ohio passes a stronger booster seat law, the state could receive up to $1.4 million in federal grant money”. Lets spend that money on seatbelts in buses and any extra go towards hunting down pedifiles. And we all should drive a bit safer!
By Cassie
April 3, 2008 11:20 AM | Link to this
I agree with this law. it is a great idea and i think it will cut back on child deaths. honestly, i think that the height is a little much. i think they should be in a booster till they are 80 pounds though.
By rhonda
April 3, 2008 10:58 AM | Link to this
It is a great idea to keep our kids as safe as possible, so if there is evidence that keeping them in boosters is safest until they are a certain height/weight that’s what I’m going to do…all on my own…because I love my kids. It’s a shame that others need prompting from the government to do the same but that is the world we live in.
By Alice
April 3, 2008 10:54 AM | Link to this
I agree with most of these posts - this is a stupid law and it is just about the money they can generate from it, not about safety. There has to be some common sense. Making kids safer at any age is a good thing but it starts in the way cars and seat belts are manufactured.
By Ashley
April 3, 2008 10:49 AM | Link to this
You want your kids to be in a booster seat in YOUR car but you seem to not care about school buses? How can one go about day to day activites knowing that there children have to ride a school bus with no seat belt or even a booster seat! I honestly think it should be up to the parents to decide to use one or not!
By Jeane
April 3, 2008 10:46 AM | Link to this
We don’t need this law. It is yet another unneccesary intrusion into our lives. If you want to have your child ride in a booster seat until they are eight - go ahead - you don’t need a law to allow you to do this. How about if parents and others pay attention while they are driving instead of chatting or texting or playing DVD’s. Not hitting things while driving is the best way to keep your children safe!
By blue
April 3, 2008 10:41 AM | Link to this
I believe that they should make it a law for school buses, that is were there are the most children at risk! I have twin girls that are 8 yrs old but are not near 4’9” tall. And I have a son that is almost 13 and is just 4’8” and weighs 115 pounds. So tell me where I would find a booster seat that would work on him?! I just think its just another way for the gov to benefit from the revenue they will make from the tickets. And what about peolple with big families or the ones that car pool?
By c'monpeople
April 3, 2008 10:36 AM | Link to this
This is getting out of hand. I am a 29-year-old female who is 4 feet, 11 inches tall. I’ve been driving safely for 13 years and, if this bill passes, technically I’m only 2 3/4 inches away from having to sit in one of these dumb seats myself. Seriously.
By AKT
April 3, 2008 10:33 AM | Link to this
Actually, according to the pediatric stature for age growth charts, the average boy reaches 4 foot 9 inches at about 11 yrs 3 months, anf the average girl at right around 11 years. So, we’re not actually talking about children in boosters until age 8, we’re talking until age 11. And approximately 10 percent of boys will finally graduate from their booster on their 13th birthday! I’m a big booster seat proponent, my 8 yr old still uses one. But I see some major problems with enforcment on one.
By DC
April 3, 2008 10:30 AM | Link to this
I think anything to help keep kids safe is a good thing. I’m 5’3” and seat belts don’t fit me right-they go right across my neck. But you’d be suprised how many people are driving around with their kids standing up in the back seat, or put little ones in the front seat, etc. I don’t think there’s any help for people who are that stupid.
By mw
April 3, 2008 10:21 AM | Link to this
Give me a break, this law is going to be like any other,its all about money. They make these laws so then the courts can benefit from the tickets they will issue. maybe they should go after the car makers and make them improve the seat belts so they will work for everyone. The article sats the seat belts were made for use for a 170 pound man, will im a 5’ 2” female, so what next they will be telling me I need a booster set or I cant sit in front of an air bag because of my height!
By Ron
April 3, 2008 10:20 AM | Link to this
I do not understand why people connect their subjective feelings with their position on this law. I, too, am a parent. I, too, believe that we should care for our children. I, too, believe in educating parents. However, I, too, believe that this law goes too far. We cannot legislate common sense, nor can we legislate to avoid all tragedies. There must be a constructive balance, and this law tilts the balance in the wrong direction.
By Dewayne
April 3, 2008 10:17 AM | Link to this
I just love it when people say ‘get government out of our lives’. Yet when the government wants to do away with some social service these people are the first ones to scream ‘unfair’. Face it people, we live in a government subsidized country and the politicians have every right to demand this. Don’t expact hand-outs without some kind of payback.
By Neonmoon
April 3, 2008 10:16 AM | Link to this
If the government said wrapping your child in bubble-wrap while riding in your car was safer would you think that was a great idea too just because some legislator thought it up?
By Jim
April 3, 2008 10:13 AM | Link to this
Absolutely NOT !!
This car seat idea is utter ridiculous foolishness - and it also nothing more than some ignorant people trying to inflict us all with even more governement intrusion into our private lives than we already suffer with.
ANY family who can have children riding in a car CAN EASILY afford a car seat and ANYone who says differently is simply lying.
Our children do not TOTALLY belong to the government - YET. Let’s be smart enough and awake enough to keep it
By King Kool
April 3, 2008 10:07 AM | Link to this
Elaine & Brenda have great points.
I am sick & tired of the government passing blanket laws to compensate for the irresponsible and braindead amongst our populus.
If the government really wants to save lives, how about getting all these dangerous blue hairs in their Buicks off the roads.
By Mom who protects
April 3, 2008 10:04 AM | Link to this
I’m from Dayton, but now live in TN where we have this law. I think its great. Our first daughter grew up before the law and looking back I realize how unsafe she was. Yet since it was not a law we never thought to buy a booster. Now my son is almost 6 and loves his booster. For his age they only cost about $15 and come in cute patterns with cup holders- most kids will like them. And it makes him tall enough to see out the window and for the seat-belt to come across him at the right spot.
By Michelle
April 3, 2008 9:50 AM | Link to this
Sorry, when it comes to the safety of chilren….I’m all for it. I don’t care if it’s a law or not. These posts sound like a bunch of lazy, cheap parents to me.
By Elaine
April 3, 2008 9:34 AM | Link to this
No. Here again the government wants to rule our lives. Let parents take this action if they feel it is necessary. If you are pro on this issue place your children in booster seats….no one is stopping you. This is a great inconvenience when it is a law and you are just wanting to stop an pick a child up for a parent and you don’t have a booster seat in your vehicle. Government money, which is actually our money, can be better spent in this state!
By Brenda
April 3, 2008 9:31 AM | Link to this
I have 2 kids, ages 10 and 5. Both of them figured out at the ripe old age of 2 1/2 how to get out of car seats. Booster seats are great for those that want to use them, but it’s getting a little old to live in the “Land of the Free” and yet still have everything we do monitored and regulated by the government. My kids are the center of my world, but isn’t is amazing most of us survived childhood before car seats and helmet laws?
By Chuck
April 3, 2008 9:25 AM | Link to this
Mabe if some of the crack head welfare mothers were more interested in being mothers and assume the responsiblity of there father less children were payed more attention to when crack head mom was driving they would not end up in emergency rooms and the rest of us would not have to foot the bill we would not need STUPID LAWS like this. Yet another attempt for the state to create STUPID laws they cant do anything serious like abate crime or drugs so they pass STUPID legistation.
By nursecilla
April 3, 2008 9:23 AM | Link to this
I love my kids and want to keep them safe. If studies show that booster seats make a child the safest, then that is what I am going to use..until the are 4’9”. If you truly care and love your child, you will do what ever it takes to keep them safe. “The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that car crashes are the leading cause of death for children. Almost 2,000 children age 14 and under are killed in such accidents, and an additional 280,000 are injured.” So what’s your excuse?
By Kelly Beckman-Crabtree
April 3, 2008 9:23 AM | Link to this
I am in favor of educating parents about booster seats, but perhaps car manufacturers should take greater steps toward making cars safer for riders of all sizes. Women are also at risk for injury in accidents. When a child gets to the age of 7 or 8, they have activities and carpools to contend with. Are we to expect these children to start lugging around their own seats? We need an easier way to adjust safety belts so that all persons of short stature can be protected.
By Mike
April 3, 2008 9:14 AM | Link to this
I’m curious as to the research that indicates having 32 kids riding in a school bus without seatbelts is considered safe, while having my kids riding in the back seat of my car taking the single most direct route to school is unsafe. Does anyone have a link to the research that indicates this is a needed law? Or, is this another government imposition in an attempt to secure $1.4 million of wasted tax money?
By josh
April 3, 2008 9:06 AM | Link to this
I have a 5 year old son and a 2 year old daughter. My son does fine with just a seat belt and is much more comfortable. He rides a school bus every day and does not have a seat belt or sit in a booster seat. Most of my aunts are only 4’ 9” so I guess my daughter will be in one for the rest of her life.
By Lisa
April 3, 2008 9:05 AM | Link to this
Jim and others….maybe if parents did a better job of making good decisions and protecting their children in Ohio they wouldn’t have to make such laws. Not everyone in this state has common sense. You need to keep that in mind. If people care about their children enough they’ll do what is required. I fail to understand what everyone has a problem with. Kids come first!!!
By Lisa
April 3, 2008 9:01 AM | Link to this
I agree that age 8 seems a bit much but if it will keep my children safe then that is what I’ll do. The safety of my children is the most important thing to me. My 4 year old is still in her convertible car seat with the harness straps. She doesn’t weigh 40 pounds yet. It looks a bit silly but it’s the safest thing for her. Safety should be #1!
By don
April 3, 2008 8:59 AM | Link to this
he law makers that thought up this abortion should have their own safty seat —-with the main safty strap around their neck.
By jim
April 3, 2008 8:51 AM | Link to this
This would be great,how about a helmet also that would also help.Ohio needs to let parent protect their children this is way over board.We never had seat belts when we were kids,no air bags,or padded dashboards.
By Liz
April 3, 2008 8:34 AM | Link to this
Those seatbelt adjusters work just fine. If you use a booster seat with a kid that tall, their knees and feet are at the wrong place in just about any car — they kick the seats in front of them, and are uncomfortable. As long as the seatbelt is properly fitted against the body, kids are safe in a crash. Making boosters mandatory, in a state where many people already have trouble affording proper infant and toddler seats, is just gonna give cops another reason to ticket the poor.
By Lori
April 3, 2008 8:26 AM | Link to this
I think 8 is crazy! We all lived without car seats, let alone seat belts. I have 3 year old that has mastered getting out car seats, so how can I tell him he has to stay in one until age 8! I’m not against seatbelts and car seats, but the government is getting a little out of control in controlling parental decisions.
By Debbie P.
April 3, 2008 8:22 AM | Link to this
I think it is beyond ridiculous!!! If it is due to the seat belts not fitting properly, then make the law that parents get those gadgets that adjust the seat belts and make them fit properly, not booster seats!! That is just soooooo dumb. And to Mother of 3 -your post was nasty to Jen B. It is likely that when she bought the car, she had the room to seat her children and follow the law - but if the law is CHANGED to demand booster seats for kids up to age 8 or 9 — that wouldn’t be the case.
By Protect Free Speech
April 3, 2008 8:20 AM | Link to this
Welcome to Ohio, the Nanny State. Where people are not responsible enough to make and deal with decisions on their own for themselves and their families — and the gov’t takes it upon titself to make decisions for everyone.
By Jaime
April 3, 2008 8:16 AM | Link to this
Better safe than sorry!
By Brenda
April 3, 2008 8:09 AM | Link to this
I think 8 is rediculous.4 feet 9 inches??? I know adults that are not that tall! Will they have to have a seat to drive? The laws for seats are fine as they are, I say leave them alone.
By Mother of 3
April 3, 2008 8:06 AM | Link to this
It is a great idea to have children ride in booster seats until they are 4 foot 9 inches. I have a 8 year old that will be 9 soon and I still make him sit in a booster seat. Both of my other kids are in seats that are approiate for their age. Jen B It is not the weight it is the height as the seat belt is across their neck or not across their legs properly.If you have children you should have a car big enough for all of them to sit in while in the proper seats.
By Jen B
April 3, 2008 7:43 AM | Link to this
Will the government also give money to those who have cars that cannot accommodate three carseats across the back seat? Yes the idea is good for safety, but it isn’t always practical. It seems to me the government could find better uses for our money and that law enforcement officiers don’t need yet another thing to look out for. According to seat manufacturers I’ve spoken with, weight is a far more important factor than height when using a child or infant car seat.
By Buckeye
April 3, 2008 7:28 AM | Link to this
This is a good thing. As far back as the 90s researchers knew that children were safest in booster seats up through age nine. It is primarily a result of the size and maturity of the pelvis. This is a regulation that will save lives, and perhaps even money.
From an economics point of view, the prevention of hospitilization of one uninsured child buys a lot of booster seats.