Date: January 29, 2002	Contact: Dr.Nancy Bowen (619) 641-5024
	Linda Miller (619) 515-6593

COUNTY HELPING PARENTS COMPLY WITH NEW CHILD BOOSTER SEAT LAW
Parents Can Call 800 Number to Get Information About Properly Installing Booster Seats

Parents of children up to 6 years old or weighing up to 60 pounds must now comply with the new
state motor vehicle law that requires these children to sit in a specially designed booster seat while riding
in a vehicle.

To help parents adjust to this new law, which became effective Jan. 1, 2002, the County of San Diego has teamed up with the San Diego Safe Kids Coalition to provide information to adults who drive with young children in their vehicles, and to promote proper use of the booster seats. Parents and other interested parties can get answers about the law by calling 1-866-544-6316.

“If your child is between 4 and 6 years old, his or her chance of surviving a motor vehicle accident has dramatically improved,” said Chairman Ron Roberts of the County Board of Supervisors. “Children are not miniature adults. They require special protection as they grow. The booster seat law will ensure that more of them get it.”

Booster seats provide children with the protection that lap/shoulder belts do not. Lap/shoulder belts were designed to protect adults and are unsafe and uncomfortable for children, especially if they cross a child’s neck or face.

“Often, small children place the poorly-fitted, uncomfortable shoulder belt behind their backs or under their arms, increasing the risk of injury or death,” said Roberts. “Booster seats can protect kids from severe spinal cord injuries, abdominal injuries, and ejection in a crash.”

The County and the Safe Kids Coalition are planning clinics throughout San Diego County where booster seats in vehicles can be checked for proper use.