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Deanie Wimmer reporting A new law is about to kick in that will be an adjustment for not only thousands of parents, but their children, too. The goal is to keep children safe, even those who thought they no longer needed a car seat.
Some little leaguers have team spirit, but there's no cheering when they hear about a new law that would require every member of the Astros under 8 years old and under 57 inches to now ride in a car booster seat.
Dallin, age 7 1/2, said, "When I sit in it, it's too high." Harrison, who is a little older, said, "I don't like it because when I sit in a booster, I'm too high."
And that's just the point, say safety advocates.
Trooper Cameron Roden of the Utah Highway Patrol said, "The booster seat helps get the child up high enough where the seat belt isn't going to cause any damage. Usually when the children are smaller the seat belt rides up on their neck."
Right now fewer than 20 percent of children between ages 4 and 8 ride in booster seats. And yet, one of the largest safety studies, by State Farm and Philadelphia Children's Hospital, estimates booster seats could make a 60 percent reduction in child injury and death. Advocates and parents all admit, complying will require some changes.
One mother, Stacy Firth, said, "It's a big deal when you drive a car pool because then you have to have seats for everybody under 8."
But most agree, the changes will be worth it. Eight-year-old Jonathan said, "It's good because it keeps you safe."
And booster seats have other selling points, even if safety isn't number one. Luke told us, "I like it because I get a better view of the TV."
The law takes effect one week from today. The penalty for breaking it is $45.
Boosters are much simpler to work with than car seats. If you want more information, go to the link on this page or call Primary Children's Medical Center at 801-662-CARS .
