A new child safety seat law takes effect today. Gov. Steve Beshear signed the booster seat bill into law on June 15, requiring children younger than 8 and between 40 and 57 inches tall be secured in a booster seat.
“This new law sends parents and caregivers an important message that seat belts are not designed for children, but booster seats are,” said KSP spokesman Sgt. Michael Webb. "Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for children ages 4 through 8. Children are precious cargo and every precaution must be made to ensure their safety.”
The bill requires law enforcement officers to issue citations with a $30 fine, although no court costs will be assessed. In addition, violators will have the option to purchase a booster seat instead of paying the fine.
Boosters are intended to lift the child up off the vehicle seat to improve the fit of the adult lap and shoulder seatbelt.
The lap portion of the belt should fit low on the hips or high on the thighs and the shoulder portion of the belt should be snug across the collarbone.
An improper fit of the adult safety belt can cause the lap belt to ride up over the stomach and the shoulder belt to cut across the neck, potentially exposing the child to serious abdominal or neck injury.
For more information about the new booster seat law, visit the transportation cabinet online.
