Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - March 28, 2000
Contact: Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136
"We were presented with good evidence that strengthening the restraint law will save children's lives and reduce injuries in motor vehicle accidents," Locke said. "That alone is good reason for me to sign this bill into law."
Locke thanked Rep. Mary Skinner, R-Yakima, for introducing the legislation, which takes effect July 2, 2002.
The new law sets new requirements for children under the age of 16 to be restrained in a vehicle:
- Children one year or under, or 20 pounds or under, must be in a rear facing infant seat.
- Between one year or over 20 pounds and four years or under 40 pounds, children will need to be in a forward-facing child safety seat.
- Between 40 pounds and six years or under 60 pounds, a booster seat is required. Children older than six are required to wear a seatbelt.
A recent study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that 71 percent of deaths and 66 percent of injuries in car accidents could be eliminated if every child under the age of 15 used an appropriate restraint system.
The state legislation also sets new enforcement criteria for child restraint usage, and requires the Washington Traffic Safety Commission to conduct an educational campaign on the use of child car seats, booster seats and seat belt use based on the new provisions of the bill. The two-year delay in the date of effectiveness is intended to provide ample time for this public education period to take place.
"Even though the effective date is delayed, we would encourage parents to practice the provisions of this law immediately for the safety of their young children," Locke said.
Related Links:
- Washington Traffic Safety Commission
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - March 28, 2000
Contact: Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136
Locke signs bill to strengthen seat belt law for child safety
YAKIMA - Gov. Gary Locke today signed "Anton's Law" -- a bill that increases from three to six the age of children required to be in a booster seat while riding in a vehicle."We were presented with good evidence that strengthening the restraint law will save children's lives and reduce injuries in motor vehicle accidents," Locke said. "That alone is good reason for me to sign this bill into law."
Locke thanked Rep. Mary Skinner, R-Yakima, for introducing the legislation, which takes effect July 2, 2002.
The new law sets new requirements for children under the age of 16 to be restrained in a vehicle:
- Children one year or under, or 20 pounds or under, must be in a rear facing infant seat.
- Between one year or over 20 pounds and four years or under 40 pounds, children will need to be in a forward-facing child safety seat.
- Between 40 pounds and six years or under 60 pounds, a booster seat is required. Children older than six are required to wear a seatbelt.
A recent study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that 71 percent of deaths and 66 percent of injuries in car accidents could be eliminated if every child under the age of 15 used an appropriate restraint system.
The state legislation also sets new enforcement criteria for child restraint usage, and requires the Washington Traffic Safety Commission to conduct an educational campaign on the use of child car seats, booster seats and seat belt use based on the new provisions of the bill. The two-year delay in the date of effectiveness is intended to provide ample time for this public education period to take place.
"Even though the effective date is delayed, we would encourage parents to practice the provisions of this law immediately for the safety of their young children," Locke said.
Related Links:
- Washington Traffic Safety Commission
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