Booster Law Goes Into Effect

A new booster seat law goes into effect in the state of Ohio today.

The new law requires motorists to safely restrain 4-to-8 year olds under 4'9" in a federally approved booster seat while riding in a motor vehicle.

Akron AAA Vice-President Kevin Thomas says the new seats are meant to keep young people safer. Thomas says the number one cause of death for youngsters between the ages of 4 and 8 are motor vehicle accidents.

Full enforcement of the law takes place on April 7, 2010. The law will be secondarily enforced which means motorists can be ticketed if they are pulled over for another violation. The fine for the violation may not exceed $75.

Statistics from the Ohio Department of Public Safety says that more than 18,000 children between the ages of 4-8 were injured in motor vehicle accidents between 2002 and 2006. In that same period of time, 76 children between 4-8 were killed in traffic accidents.

Research has shown that 60 percent of parents and caregivers still do not use booster seats.