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Booster Seat Bill Gets A Boost

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Mar 4, 2008 3:10 pm US/Eastern

Booster Seat Bill Gets A Boost

Reporting
Peg Rusconi
BOSTON (WBZ) ― Supporters of a bill that would require booster seats for many more children in cars are calling for quick action on the measure. The bill would require booster seats for children up to 4 feet 9 inches tall or until their eighth birthday, whichever comes first.

Current Massachusetts law requires booster or car seats for children up to 5 years old and 40 pounds. Children between the ages of 5 and 12 can be restrained with a seat belt.

But some health and safety experts say many of those children aren't tall enough, so an adult seat belt runs across their abdomens instead of their hips, which can lead to serious injuries in an accident.

According to AAA, studies show most parents believe if they follow their state's current child passenger safety law, they're doing enough to protect their child.

"Parents are being given a false sense of security by following the letter of the Commonwealth's law, and in the process, unknowingly endangering their children," said AAA's Mark Shaw. 

The booster seat bill, S. 2018, passed the Senate unanimously last year, but awaits action in the House.

"I am optimistic that the Legislature will take action on this bill soon," said bill sponsor Steven Baddour (D-Methuen).

(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)

© MMIX, CBS Corporation. All rights reserved.