For parents who will be transporting children to school on a daily basis, back-to-school is also the perfect time to make sure that your children are properly using car seats, boosters and seat belts. To make sure that your precious cargo is safe, a new Ohio Law will go into effect beginning October 7, 2009 that changes the booster requirements for school-aged children.
The new law states that all children under the age of 8 and under 4’9” are required to use a booster and seatbelt. Children 8 and over or 4’9” and over, may use a normal auto seat like adults. Children, regardless of age, who are under 40 pounds should still ride in an appropriate car seat as before.
It is also recommended that children under 13 remain in the back seat of the car, where they will be afforded the most protection in case of an accident. As always, seat belts should be secured for every passenger and should never be shared, un-buckled, or loosened up at any point during even the shortest trips.
