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Buckle up for life
At 68.7 percent, seat belt use in Massachusetts is the second lowest in the country. Yet it is required by law that for every car trip, every person buckle up in an age-appropriate car seat, booster seat or seat belt. It is estimated that nationwide in 2006 almost 16,000 lives were saved because of restraint use and more than 5,000 additional lives could have been saved at 100 percent compliance.
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Infants
Infants under the age of 1 and weighing less than 20 pounds should use rear-facing car seats. |
Toddlers
Children 1 year of age and weighing at least 20 pounds should use forward-facing seats.
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School-age children
Effective July 10 in Massachusetts, children up to the age of 8 and 57 inches tall who have outgrown their car seats should use booster seats. |
 Older children to adults
Children who have outgrown their booster seats should use the car’s lap and shoulder belts and ride in the back seat until the age of 13. Teens and adults should always use seatbelts while driving or riding as a passenger.
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Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration,
American Academy of Pediatrics
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Get a free car seat check-up.
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Boston Public Health Commission
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617-534-2635
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Boston Police Department
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617-343-4278, 617-343-4487
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Franciscan Hospital for Children
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617-254-3800 x2181
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Cambridge Police Department
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617-349-3238
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Newton Police Department
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617-796-2120
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