Motor vehicle crashes are the number one cause of death of children and young adults in America. Massachusetts state law requires children to ride in federally approved child safety seats until they are 8 years old or are at least 4’9″ tall.
The safest place for a child to sit is in the back seat. The back middle seat is best. Infant seats must face the back of the vehicle.
Infants under 20 pounds and one year old should ride in a rear-facing child safety seat.
Children over the age of one who weigh 20-40 pounds should ride in a forward-facing child safety seat.
Children between 40 and 80 pounds, and less than 4’9″ tall, should ride in a booster seat. A booster seat helps the seat belt to fit correctly and safely and gives children more comfort and visibility.
THE CORRECT WAY TO INSTALL A CAR SEAT 85% of child safety seats are installed incorrectly! To find a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician to help attach a child safety seat, call 1-877-392-5956 or go to mass.gov/car-seat-safety.