Today, Gov. Rick Scott signed legislation that requires children to be properly restrained in passenger vehicles though age five, ensuring that Florida no longer has the weakest child passenger safety law in the nation. Previously, Florida law required that only children through three years old be secured in a separate car seat. Children ages four and older were required to be restrained but could use the vehicle’s safety belts which are designed for adults.
“Adult passenger safety belts do not fit properly on young children and can cause them injury in a crash,” said Kevin Bakewell, Senior Vice President and Chief Public Affairs Officer for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “AAA is pleased the legislature and the governor took action to protect children by requiring they be properly restrained in an appropriate safety seat.”
AAA added, the new law is a step in the right direction, although it doesn’t go far enough.
Motor vehicle injuries are the leading cause of death among children in the U.S., but many of these deaths can be prevented by placing children in age- and size-appropriate car seats.
