TRAVERSE CITY — Changes are coming to Michigan’s car seat laws. Those safety laws take effect next week, and there are changes when it comes to how long kids need to ride in the back seats of vehicles.
“It’s only for a short time, they’ll be back up in the front seat in just a few short years,” Michigan State Police Lt. Kim Vetter said. ”Children’s bones are not strengthened or hardened all the way, like adult bones are. They can’t withstand the crash courses like adults can.
New Child Restrain Laws take effect in Michigan next week, State Police say there are changes for kids of all age groups, from those under two all the way to 13.
“The first thing is, children under the age of two must remain rear-facing in a car seat. Children between the ages of three and five must be in a forward-facing seat with an internal harness. Children between 4 and 8 or under four feet nine have to be in a booster seat, and the big one that people are struggling with, children under 13 need to be in the back seat.”
Studies show car crashes are the leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 13. The new laws emphasize keeping kids rear-facing for as long as possible. Grand Traverse Metro Fire and Life Safety Public Educator Katie Birecki says the new laws are all about keeping kids safe.
“It’s focusing more on the height and the weight of a child, rather than hitting a specific age milestone just so that they can stay in the car as long as possible in a car seat and be safe with it.”
State police say now is a good time to check your car seat labels, or send out the warranty form, so you stay up to date on height and weight requirements or any recalls.
“Every car seat in America is required to have the labeling on the sides. It tells you the proper height and weight for those seats, explains Lt. Vetter, “So that’s a good place for parents to check, just to make sure they’re using the right car seat.”
And if you want a second set of eyes many local fire and police departments will take a look at your car seats for free.
For more information on the changes, click here.