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Risks of motor vehicle crashes
According to the National Center for Health Statistics, motor vehicle crashes are the
leading cause of death in the U.S. to children 1-14 years old. They are also the number
one preventable cause of death of children and young adults, as well as a major cause of
permanent brain damage, epilepsy, and spinal cord injuries. A sudden stop at 30 miles per
hour could cause the same crushing force on your child’s brain and body as a fall
from a three-story building. Fortunately, by buckling up children, we can prevent most
of these deaths and serious injuries.
Vehicle Code 27360
Babies and Small children must ride properly buckled up in a federally-approved
car safety seat or booster until they are one of the following:
* 6 years of age or older
* weigh at least 60 pounds
If a child is too large for a safety seat, generally around 40 pounds, a
booster seat can be used.
Vehicle Code 27360.5
Older children may ride in safety seats, booster seats or properly fitted vehicle
safety belts.
Tickets & Penalties - parent gets the ticket if a child under 16 is not correctly
buckled up. The driver gets the ticket if the parent is not in the
car.
The fine is $100 per child plus penalty assessments (total ticket cost up to $270 per
child); the fine for a second offense is $250 plus penalty assessments (total ticket
cost up to $675 per child). One point is added to the driving record, which could
raise insurance rates.
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