Law Enforcement: Buckle Kids Up Or Pay Up

Starting Monday, law enforcement can start pulling over and writing tickets to drivers who have children in their car younger than 8 who are not strapped in a car seat or booster seat.

“Children ages 4 to 7 who use booster seats are 45 percent less likely to be injured in a crash compared to children who are restrained only by seat belts,” said Col. James Wofinbarger, chief of the Colorado State Patrol.

An expanded child passenger safety law went into effect on Aug. 1, 2010. Starting Monday, law enforcement can start handing out citations of at least $82 if children are not properly buckled up.

Safety experts said even though the law requires booster seats until age 8, they recommend children use booster seats until they are at least 4 feet 9 inches tall.

Laura McGuire-Kent is a child passenger safety specialist with Kohl’s Cares Car Safety Program. She said seat belts are generally made for adult passengers, so children need an extra safety boost.

McGuire-Kent also said that if parents make a positive habit of using booster seats, their children will be more likely to use them even without being asked.

If you would like a free car seat checkup, click here.