New booster-seat law takes effect

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November 26, 2009

Anonymous The Press Republican Thu Nov 26, 2009, 10:52 PM EST

ALBANY — State officials are reminding drivers that a new booster-seat law is now in effect.

The law, signed by Gov. David Paterson earlier this year, now requires children under the age of 8 — instead of age 7 — to be restrained in child-restraint systems when in motor vehicles.

The new law took effect Tuesday, adding New York to more than 21 other states requiring kids under the age of 8 to be restrained in proper child-restraint systems.

Officials said an appropriate restraint system is one that meets the child's height and weight as recommended by the manufacturer.

Depending on the size of the child, the restraint system may be a child passenger safety seat or a booster seat. Vehicle's safety belts alone do not qualify as a child-restraint system.

In 2008 alone, more than 6,300 children under the age of 9 were injured in car crashes across the state.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, motor-vehicle crashes are a leading cause of unintentional injuries and deaths for children.

"Protecting our youngest passengers who cannot protect themselves has always been on the forefront of our safety issues," Department of Motor Vehicles Commissioner David J. Swarts said in a news release announcing the change.

"This new legislation is another step to ensure their safety and lower the number of needless injuries and fatalities in this age group."

For more information about the change, visit www.nysdmv.com.