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MIRS, March
27, 2008
Gov. Jennifer Granholm today signed legislation that would
require the use of approved booster seats for children who are
between the ages of four and eight and less than 4 feet 9 inches
tall. The bill takes effect July 1.
Current law requires children under age four to ride in an
infant or child car seat. The new law extends the requirement to
include older children who also are not optimally protected by
seat belts alone.
"I am pleased today to sign into law a bill that protects
Michigan's most important resource — our children," Granholm
said. "We know that the single best way we can protect our kids
is to buckle them in properly. It's a simple step but a big
'boost' for our kids' safety."
Partners for Child Passenger Safety (PCPS) conducted the world's
largest ongoing study of children in crashes and analyzes actual
crash data from 16 states, including Michigan. PCPS reports that
the risk of injury for a 4-to 8 year-old child is reduced by 59
percent when using a car seat or booster seat.
Children in seat belts alone are four times more likely to
suffer head injuries as compared to those in booster seats.
States that have passed similar laws also have determined that
child restraint use increases dramatically when required by law.
"Since seat belts are designed for adults, they do not fit
children properly and can actually cause injuries during a
crash," said Department of Community Health Director Janet
OLSZEWSKI. "Booster seats are a simple and inexpensive way to
protect children in motor vehicle crashes."
At today's event, the Governor signed SB 0082 and was joined by
Sen. Michelle McMANUS (R-Lake Leelanau), who sponsored the bill,
and Rep. Barb BYRUM (D-Onondaga) and Rep. Kathy ANGERER
(D-Dundee), who both sponsored other booster seat legislation.
Granholm also urged the Legislature to take quick action on a
bill that will make it possible to make free booster seats
available to low-income families.
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