What You Need to Know about New Saskatchewan Car Seat Laws

06/11/2014

There are often so many questions regarding car seats and children – when to switch from an infant carrier to a larger car seat, when to switch from rear facing to forward facing, when to start and stop using a booster seat.

In case you have not heard the Saskatchewan Government has passes a new law and effective June 27, 2014, booster seats will be mandatory for children under 7 years of age, AND less than 145 cm (4’9”) in height AND 36 kg (80 lb.) in weight.

However, the Saskatchewan Prevention Institute recommends that children should stay in their booster seat until they fit the adult seat belt properly. Most children should remain in a booster seat until they are between the ages of 8-12 years.

Why are Booster Seats Necessary?

Booster seats are necessary during the period when children are too big for a forward-facing child seat but are too small for a seat belt. The booster seat works by raising the child in the vehicle seat so the seat belt is properly positioned low over the child’s hips, and collar bone (between the shoulder and neck). An incorrectly positioned seat belt over a child’s abdomen can cause the child to be seriously injured or even killed in a collision.

Does my child need to be in a Booster Seat?

Children are often taken out of booster seats far too early. On average, children are ready for an adult seat belt when they are 145 cm tall (4’9”) and around 36 kgs. (80 lbs.). This occurs for most children between the ages of 8-12 years. The true indicator of seat belt readiness is seat belt fit. Have the child sit with his back and bottom against the vehicle seat back and assess the following:

1. Does the child’s knees bend over the vehicle’s seat edge without slouching?
2. Does the lap portion of the vehicle seat belt lay low on the child’s hips, touching the thighs and not across the stomach?
3. Does the shoulder portion of the belt lay across the shoulder and not in front of the face or on the neck?
4. Can the child sit in the proper position (not slouching, falling asleep on the window, etc.) for the entire ride?

If the answer to any of these questions is ‘no,’ the child should continue to use a booster seat.

For more information about the new law and car seat safety please visit the Saskatchewan Prevention Institutes website: http://www.skprevention.ca/