Some 6 and 7 year olds will have to get back into their boosters starting this Monday, June 30th.  That is when a new Maryland car seat law takes effect.  It requires that any child under 8 use a booster seat unless they are taller than four-foot-nine or weigh more than 65 pounds. 

Less than 20% of 4-8 year olds currently use booster seats, according to one study.  This law is designed to educate and encourage parents to change that statistic.  Booster seats position the child so that the safety belt can maximally protect them in the event of a car crash -- the leading cause of death in young children.

If your children thought they had "graduated" from a booster, they may resist this change.  Tell them that a policeman will give you a ticket if they notice a young child in your car without a safety seat!  You'll get a fine, but no points against your license. 

Honestly, I like this law.  I have felt for years that my friends saw me as over-protective for keeping my kids in boosters until they turned eight.  Now I have the law on my side!

Be safe,

Dr. C.
www.insightmedicalconsultants.com
(photo courtesy of www.nzherald.co.nz)