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In July 2008, a new law will go into effect in Massachusetts that will require children up to age eight, or 4 feet 9 inches in height, to be restrained in a vehicle with the use of a booster seat.
Booster seats are used for children between the ages of four and eight to elevate them in their vehicle's seat so that the shoulder and lap belts of a seat belt hit properly.
Booster seats reduce motor-vehicle crash injury risk by 60 per cent compared to using a seat belt alone.
Tips
Follow these tips when purchasing and using a booster seat:
- When choosing a booster seat make sure it meets federal motor vehicle standards which will be stated on the box or the booster seat
- Use a high back booster seat when the vehicle does not have head rest or use a backless booster seat when the vehicle has proper head rest
- Always use a lap and shoulder belt when using a booster seat
- All children 12 years old and under should ride in the back
- Mail the registration card that comes with the booster seat. This will allow the manufactures to contact you if the seat has been recalled
- In the event of a car crash replace your booster seat
- Second-hand booster seats should be used with caution. Make sure the seat has all labels and the manual. Find out if the seat was involved in a car crash and if the booster seat is damaged at all do not use it.
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