Boost your child’s safety – get a booster seat!

It’s time to boost your child’s safety! As of July 1, 2008, BC drivers are responsible for putting children in the correct car seat for their size. The new regulations require drivers to use booster seats for any child over 18kg (40lbs) until they reach their ninth birthday, or a height of 145 cm (4’9”).

Children under the age of nine are too small for adult seat belts to properly protect them in a motor vehicle crash.  By using a booster seat, an adult seat belt can be positioned to protect a child in the event of a crash.  

“Car crashes are the leading cause of injury and death for children and youth in BC,” said Denise Foucher, Injury Prevention Coordinator with Northern Health. “Every year in BC, motor vehicle crashes seriously injure 860 children, and kill five children, between the ages of five to nine.

“A booster seat can reduce the risk of injury and death by up to 60 per cent. For as little as thirty dollars, children can travel properly restrained in a booster seat, arriving safely at their destination.”

Don’t wait for the new legislation! Avoid the $109 fine and join the many families who have already taken the steps to regularly use a booster seat for their four to nine year old children.

When buying and using booster seats, keep these tips in mind:

• Booster seats are for children over 18kg (40 lbs) who have outgrown their forward facing, tethered car seat.
• Look for a label on the seat that shows it complies with the Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (CVMSS).
• There are many booster seat models available, ranging from $30 to $200.  Be sure the model you choose is a good fit for your child and your vehicle.

• High-back booster seats must be used with a shoulder and lap belt, and should be used when the vehicle seat does not have a head rest.
• Backless booster seats can be used when the vehicle seat has a high back and head rest, and must be used with a shoulder and lap belt.
• Child/booster combination seats can be used with the harness for children under 18 kg (40lbs) and without the harness for those over 18kg (40 lbs), using the lap and shoulder belt.
• If there is no lap/shoulder belt available, your child must be secured by a lap belt without a booster seat.

• Always put your child in the back seat - typically the safest place in the vehicle.
• Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions to be sure that you install and use your child safety seat properly.

For more information on booster seats and the new legislation, check out the Boost BC website at www.boostbc.ca or call the toll-free BCAA Child Seat Information Line at 1-877-247-5551.