Senator joins experts in pushing for children’s booster seats in Ohio

Senate Bill 27 will save lives and prevent injuries by raising booster seat requirement to age 8

	Senator Erich Kearney Sponsor, Senate Bill 27

(Columbus) — Today experts from across the state testified before the Senate Highway Transportation Committee to support Senate Bill 27 sponsored by State Senator Eric H. Kearney (D-Cincinnati).  The bill requires that any child who is less than eight years old and less than four feet, nine inches tall be secured in a booster seat when traveling in a motor vehicle.

Under current law, a child who is less than four years old or who weighs less than 40 pounds must be secured in a federally approved child restraint system. SB 27 will go beyond that requirement and meet safety requirements already in place in 34 other states, including neighboring Indiana and Pennsylvania.

Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death among children in the United States. The use of a booster seat instead of a seat belt reduces a child’s risk of injury by 59 percent. Children restrained by seat belts are four times more likely to suffer head/brain injury than children using booster seats.

“All too often, children over age four prematurely graduate to the manufacturer-installed safety belts,” said Brian Newbacher, director of public affairs, AAA East Central and representing the Ohio Conference of AAA Clubs. “These are systems that are designed and tested for 168-pound males. Senate Bill 27 is consistent with federal recommendations and represents great progress in child passenger safety.”

As a father of two children, Senator Kearney is concerned about ensuring the safety of all Ohio children.

“Most parents are sure to teach their children how to cross the street safely, or always wear a helmet when riding a bike,” Senator Kearney said. “Often overlooked is the need for booster seats to make sure a minor accident doesn’t end up in a tragedy.”

Several groups endorse Kearney’s bill and urge its passage including the Ohio Highway Patrol, American Automobile Association, Ohio Children’s Hospital Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics.