Many parents may be surprised to find out that they are not doing everything possible to keep their children protected from personal injury in a car accident.
New Jersey recently passed a new child car seat law that will become effective September 1, 2015. Current law in New Jersey states that all children eight years of age or less and 80 pounds or less must be in a car seat in the rear seat of a car. This left more questions than answers for parents. The new law is more comprehensive and has answers for residents.
Recommendations
A study found that children 12-24 months are 532% safer if a car seat is in a rear facing position. In 2011, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) updated their recommendations that a car seat remain rear facing until the child is a minimum of two years of age, however they believe longer is better. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) agrees and further recommends that children stay in a rear facing car seat until they outgrow the manufacturer’s height or weight limits.
Requirements of the new Car Seat Law
In every age bracket below, children must be secured in the rear seat of the vehicle, except when a vehicle has no rear seat. All rules remain the same with use of a front seat except that the passenger side airbag must be disabled. If it cannot be disabled, the vehicle may not be used.
Under the Age of Two
Children two and under, and weighing 30 pounds or less, must remain in a rear facing car seat with a five-point harness. However, once children are over the age of two, parents may use the car seat in a front facing position. A rear facing position as long as possible is safest.
Under the Age of Four
Children ages three to four, weighing 40 pounds or less, should remain in a rear facing car seat with a five-point harness until they exceed the height/weight limitations of the car seat. Once they have exceeded the rear facing requirements, the car seat may be turned to front facing, but the child must continue to be restrained in a five-point harness. Keeping children rear facing as long as possible remains recommended.
Under the Age of Eight
Children ages five to eight, and less than 57 inches in height, must remain in a five-point harness until they exceed the manufacturer’s height/weight requirement. This group must be secured in a front facing car seat in a rear seat of the vehicle. Once children surpass all height/weight requirements, they may then be securely fastened in the rear seat using a booster seat.
