Under a new law which went into effect on December 1, 2001 all children under eight years of age and weighing less than 80 pounds will be REQUIRED to be secured in a child passenger safety seat or a booster seat in the rear seat of a motor vehicle. To assist you in complying with this new law the Verona Rescue Squad is offering the following safety tips.
1. Rear facing child seats should be used from birth to at least 20 pounds and at least one year of age. For babies less than one year and over 20 pounds be sure to use a safety seat approved for heavier babies and continue to ride rear facing until at least one year of age.
2. Use a forward facing seat for a child who is at least 20 pounds and at least one year of age. This seat may be used until the child is approximately 40 pounds and four years of age.
3. A booster seat should be used if the child is between 40 and 80 pounds and under four feet nine inches tall.
4. A child should be buckled in an adult seat belt if they are over 80 pounds and at least four feet nine inches tall.
5. Never place a child or a child seat in the front seat of a vehicle equipped with an air bag.
6. Old or used child safety seats should not be used unless you are certain that it has never been in a crash. Old seats should not be used if they are more than six years old.
7. Always read both the vehicle owners manual and the instructions that come with the safety seat. .
8. Have your child safety seat inspected by a certified child safety seat technician.
