http://www.senate.leg.state.mn.us/members/member_pr_display.php?ls=&id=2357
"Senate passes important child safety legislation
The Minnesota Senate yesterday granted preliminary approval to legislation requiring all children younger than eight years old and less than 4-feet 9-inches tall to use a proper safety restraint when riding in a vehicle. This measure, which has been passed in 44 other states, could result in a dramatic decrease in the number of children that are killed or injured in vehicle crashes every year.
“Minnesota’s current law gives parents a false sense of security by telling them that all children older than four years can safely ride in a car wearing only a seatbelt,” said the bill’s author Senator Jim Carlson (DFL-Eagan). “This legislation ensures that our laws provide the correct information so parents can make the best choice to ensure the safety of their children.”
Children injured in car crashes while wearing only a seatbelt often receive injuries to their abdomen, lower spine, neck and face (a collection of injures called the “seat belt syndrome” by medical and safety professionals). Studies have found that the use of a booster seat can reduce the risk of injury by 59% in a crash, and children between four and eight years old are four times more likely to suffer serious head injury while restrained in a lap and shoulder belt rather than a booster seat.
Booster seats retail for around $13. Several organizations, including AAA, sheriff’s departments, and county public health organizations provide these devices free of charge to low-income families. Minnesota will additionally receive approximately $140,000 this year and $120,000 next year in federal funds for purchasing these seats for families in need if this measure passes.
Senator Carlson can be reached at 651-297-8073 or sen.jim.carlson@senate.mn for more information"
"Senate passes important child safety legislation
The Minnesota Senate yesterday granted preliminary approval to legislation requiring all children younger than eight years old and less than 4-feet 9-inches tall to use a proper safety restraint when riding in a vehicle. This measure, which has been passed in 44 other states, could result in a dramatic decrease in the number of children that are killed or injured in vehicle crashes every year.
“Minnesota’s current law gives parents a false sense of security by telling them that all children older than four years can safely ride in a car wearing only a seatbelt,” said the bill’s author Senator Jim Carlson (DFL-Eagan). “This legislation ensures that our laws provide the correct information so parents can make the best choice to ensure the safety of their children.”
Children injured in car crashes while wearing only a seatbelt often receive injuries to their abdomen, lower spine, neck and face (a collection of injures called the “seat belt syndrome” by medical and safety professionals). Studies have found that the use of a booster seat can reduce the risk of injury by 59% in a crash, and children between four and eight years old are four times more likely to suffer serious head injury while restrained in a lap and shoulder belt rather than a booster seat.
Booster seats retail for around $13. Several organizations, including AAA, sheriff’s departments, and county public health organizations provide these devices free of charge to low-income families. Minnesota will additionally receive approximately $140,000 this year and $120,000 next year in federal funds for purchasing these seats for families in need if this measure passes.
Senator Carlson can be reached at 651-297-8073 or sen.jim.carlson@senate.mn for more information"