May 15, 2006
Proposed Legislative Changes Will Boost Child Passenger Safety
VICTORIA – Proposed changes to both legislation and regulations concerning the use of child booster seats were introduced today in the B.C. Legislature by Port Moody – Westwood MLA Iain Black.
Black is proposing a Private Members Bill that would require children to be at least eight years old and weigh more than 36 Kilograms before being allowed to travel in a passenger vehicle without being seated in a child safety or booster seat. Under the current Motor Vehicle Act Legislation and Regulations, convertible or combination harness/booster seats are only required for children who weigh between 9 and 18 Kilograms.
Black introduced Notice of a Bill today, stating his intention to bring a Private Members Bill before the Legislature.
“Studies show that children who are not properly secured in booster seats are at a higher risk of injury or death when they are involved in motor vehicle accident,” said Black “I believe it is time for the public to have a healthy debate on this issue.”
Black’s proposed changes would also compel all passenger vehicles travelling the province’s roads with child passengers to comply with the intended rules. Currently, rental cars and vehicles registered out of province do not have to follow the regulations. In addition, the changes would require all drivers to ensure child passengers are properly secured. Currently, regulations only apply to parents and guardians.
“Right now if your neighbour drives your child to the swimming pool, they are not required to ensure your child is properly secured in a booster seat,” said Black, a father of three young children. “The changes I’m proposing would protect all children no matter whose vehicle they were travelling in.”
“Car crashes are still the leading cause of death and injuries for children in B.C.; however, many of these can be prevented with the proper use of child restraints such as a booster seat,” said David Dunne, Provincial Program Director for the BCAA Traffic Safety Program. “Booster seats are effective in saving lives and preventing injures – but here in B.C. only 18 per cent of kids who should be in booster seat are – we need to change that – and this proposed legislation will be an important step in that direction.”
On average, over 850 children between four and eight years of age are injured in motor vehicle incidents every year in British Columbia. Since 2001, there have been 14 fatalities in this age group.
“I am well acquainted with childhood injury having cared for children for over thirty-five years," said Dr. Basil Boulton, Chair of the Child and Youth Health Committee. “I support this non-partisan motion. I will be taking it to my committee with a view to obtaining the official support and endorsement of the BCMA. In the past the BCMA has supported similar safety initiatives including seatbelt and bicycle helmet legislation. Car seats are important for child safety and for the BCMA Child and Youth Health Committee as well as being an important issue for all doctors caring for children.”
Numerous studies, including one published by Safe Kids Canada in 2004, report that booster seats provide 60 per cent more protection for children than seat belts alone. In addition, children in booster seats see a significant reduction to the risk of serious injury especially to the spinal cord, internal organs, head and face. It is estimated children using only a seat belt face four times the risk of a head injury compared to a child in a booster seat.
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BACKGROUNDER
May 15, 2006
Proposed Changes to Booster Seat Legislation and Regulations
Motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of death and injury for children. On average, over 850 children between four to eight years of age are injured in motor vehicles incidents every year in British Columbia. Since 2001, there have been 14 fatalities for this age group.
Current Child Safety Seat Rules
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Only parents and guardians are required to follow existing regulations.
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Children who weigh between 9 Kilograms to 18 Kilograms must be restrained in a convertible or combination harness/booster seat.
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A child who reaches six years of age is allowed to be restrained by the use of a seat belt only.
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Rental cars and vehicles registered out of province do not have to follow the regulations.
Proposed Enhancements to Child Passenger Vehicle Safety
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Requires all vehicle operators to use booster seats when transporting children who have outgrown child car seats but are too small to be fully protected by seatbelts alone.
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Increase the minimum age threshold to eight years of age and the minimum weight requirement to 36 Kilograms.
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New rules would apply to all passenger vehicles travelling B.C.'s roads with child passengers.
Facts About Booster Seats
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Only 18 per cent of children in British Columbia between 18 and 36 Kilograms use booster seats.
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Booster seats provide 60 per cent more protection than seatbelts alone.
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Children seated in booster seats see a significant reduction in the risk of serious injury especially to the spinal cord and internal organs, head and face.
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It is estimated children using only a seat belt face four times the risk of a head injury compared to child in a booster seat.
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Seatbelts are designed for adult usage and most children do not reach the appropriate weight or size until eight years of age.
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Booster seats are easy to install and work with existing vehicle seatbelts to restrain children in the event of a collision or accident.
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Booster seats are affordable and are sold at retail outlets starting at $35.
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The British Columbia Automobile Association (BCAA) recommends that all children between four and eight years of age and between 18 and 36 Kilograms use booster seats.
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The provinces of Québec, Ontario and Nova Scotia have enacted similar booster seat legislation for children under eight years old and under 36 Kilograms.
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