The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
Under legislation coming into effect across Manitoba Aug. 8, protective booster seats will be required for children who have outgrown forward-facing car seats but are still too small to safely use a seatbelt on their own. Many children who have outgrown forward-facing child car seats use seatbelts without a booster seat to properly position them, making them more susceptible to injury. The new legislation will require the use of booster seats until children meet specific age, weight or height requirements. Starting Aug. 8, children will be required to remain in booster seats until they are at least: _ 145 centimetres (4'9') tall; _ 36 kilograms (80 pounds); OR _Ênine years old. Under the Highway Traffic Act, Manitoba currently requires child car seats to be used until a child reaches the age of five or a weight of 22 kg (50 lbs.). Research has shown the majority of Canadian children aged four to nine are riding in vehicles using only seatbelts, putting them at risk for serious injuries in a crash. Children who are restrained with seatbelts without booster seats are 3.5 times more likely to be injured in a car crash and 4.2 times more likely to suffer a head injury. Under the new legislation, booster seats must also comply with Canada's motor vehicle safety standards and be installed and secured in a vehicle in accordance with the specifications of the device's manufacturer. To help Manitobans prepare for the new rules, the provincial government, in partnership with Manitoba Public Insurance, has launched a public awareness campaign called I Need A Boost to provide education and resources for parents and guardians. _ Compiled from a Government of Manitoba news release
