Hundreds of children in Florida suffer severe injuries in motor vehicle accidents each year. Their vulnerability in car crashes seriously threatens children’s health and safety, which is why Florida legislation takes booster seat laws very seriously. The New England Journal of Medicine explains that motor vehicle accidents account for 20% of children and adolescent deaths in the United States.
These disturbing statistics highlight the necessity for proper child safety equipment while driving. In order to reduce the likelihood of your child suffering serious injuries and possibly death, you will need to make sure you have the proper booster seat and vehicle restraints for your car. Continue reading to learn more about Florida’s booster seat laws and how to choose the seat best for your child.
Guide to Florida Booster Seat Laws
The weight and height limits for booster seats may vary depending on each state’s law. Understanding vehicle seat regulations and the rules for securing your child in equipment will reduce the likelihood of severe injuries and possible legal consequences. In Florida, the law states the following child restraint requirements:
- Ages 3 and under: Children must use a separate carrier or a vehicle manufacturer’s integrated child seat;
- Ages 4 to 5: Children must use a booster seat, a full car seat, or a car seat integrated with the vehicle.
Florida parents must make sure that all children under the age of 5 are properly using a crash-tested, federally approved child restraint device. Staying aware of the manufacturer’s instructions and determining where a child can securely sit will significantly impact the child’s safety in a motor vehicle accident.
How to Choose the Right Booster Seat?
Every child is unique; some may be larger than their peers, while others are smaller. When choosing a car seat for your child, you will want to consider how they fit in the seat rather than just their age. There are various car seats for larger or smaller children of each age. Consider the following recommendations from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA):
- Choose a seat based on your child’s age, size, and vehicle;
- Read over the manufacturer’s instructions and vehicle owner’s manual to ensure you know the specific height and weight limits and how to incorporate the seat belt or lower anchors and tethers;
- Use the same car seat for as long as possible until they grow outside the height and weight requirements;
- Children 12 years old and under must stay in the vehicle’s back seat.
With thousands of car seat options, the above guidelines can help narrow your search for the best car seat. When you understand the rules and regulations of a car seat, you will take the necessary steps to ensure your child’s safety.
Speak With Frank P. Marsalisi for a Dependable Car Accident Lawyer Today
Knowing that your child is vulnerable to motor vehicle accidents is frightening. Marsalisi Law understands how the aftermath of a car accident can impact your family. Not only can you pursue legal action for negligent drivers, but also manufacturers for possible faulty equipment. When working with Frank P. Marsalisi, you will have reliable and honest legal guidance throughout your claim. He also offers his services in English and Spanish, so his clients may feel comfortable asking questions and expressing their needs.
Call (727) 800-5052 or fill out our contact form to learn more about how we can help you and to schedule a free consultation today.
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