Politics & Government

Governor Signs New Child Seat Law

New law requires that children up to the age of 8 be secured in child safety or booster seats.

A new law designed to protect children between the ages of 6 and 8 whose height and weight still puts them at risk for injury as a result of being secured only by an adult lap or seat belt will go into effect on July 1.

Governor Nathan Deal visited Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Scottish Rite on Monday, May 9 to sign the new bill into law.

“We must do everything in our power to protect young Georgians, and studies show consistently that booster seats provide children with a much greater level of safety than vehicle seats built for adults,” said Deal in a released statement. “I have no doubt that this law will save countless lives and prevent serious injuries for many young children.”

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Experts from Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta report children wearing just an adult seat belt are more likely to suffer injuries such as fractures and severe bruising of abdominal organs. They are also more likely to slide under the seat belt leading to more severe injuries of organs such as the liver, spleen and pancreas.

Children who weigh more than 40 pounds or who are at least 4-foot-9 are exempt from the law.

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