| What is the New Nevada Booster
Seat Law? |
| Child safety seats are already required for children
under 5 and 40 pounds. Booster seats are now required for children
from 40 – 60 pounds and under age six. Booster seats do
not require ‘installation.’ |
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| When does this law become effective? |
| June 1, 2004 |
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| Who should use booster seats? |
All children who have outgrown child safety seats
should be properly restrained in booster seats until they are
at least 4' 9” tall (generally 4 - 8 years old).
Boosters should be used as "in-between" safety devices
for children over 40 pounds who have outgrown forward-facing
safety seats. |
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| Why use a booster seat? |
Seat belts are designed for adults. A booster
seat "lifts" the child to fit the seat belt system.
This allows the seat belt to properly protect the child.
Vehicle safety belts generally don't fit until kids are 8, 9,
10, or even 11 years old.Children riding prematurely in seat
belts are getting seriously injured (or killed) in car crashes.
Internal organ and spinal column injuries often result from
improper belt fit. |
| |
| When should children use seat belts? |
| The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
recommends using a booster seat until the child is 8 years old
and at least 4' 9" tall. |
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Child
Safety Seat Checks |
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It's also important that your car
safety seat be installed properly to insure that your child
is fully protected.
About 90% of child restraints are used incorrectly. You can
get your car seat installation inspected for free or for a small
donation at several Nevada communities. |
| Local
Resources |
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Booster
Seat Safety
The 5-Step Test |
|
| 1. |
Does the child sit all the way
back against the auto seat? |
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2. |
Do the child's knees bend comfortably at the
edge of the auto seat? |
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3. |
Does the belt cross the shoulder between the
neck and arm? |
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4. |
Is the lap belt as low as possible, touching
the thighs? |
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5. |
Can the child stay seated like this for the
whole trip? |
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|
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If you answered "no"
to any of these questions, your child needs a booster seat to
make both the shoulder belt and the lap belt fit right for the
best crash protection. Your child will be more comfortable,
and will be able to see out the window, too! |
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