LANSING – State Representative Kathy Angerer (D-Dundee) today voted for a booster seat plan to protect young passengers. The plan passed the House with strong bipartisan support.
"This plan serves a crucial purpose – it will save lives and help safeguard our children," Angerer said. "Booster seats are important for families with young children because the safety belts in our cars are not made for a child's body. Studies indicate that a booster seat is four times more effective in preventing head injuries than a seat belt alone."
Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of unintentional injury-related deaths to children. In 2005, more than 2,300 Michigan children 8 and younger were injured in crashes, according to the Michigan Department of Community Health. Motor vehicle crashes remained the largest single cause of injury-related deaths in 2005, resulting in 16 deaths for Michigan children age 8 and younger.
Similar legislation sponsored by Angerer that would require manufacturer-certified booster seats for children who are under the age of 8 and who are not taller than 4 feet, 9 inches, passed the House last year.
"Too many children across our country die in car accidents because they are not properly secured," Angerer said. "We are working proactively here in Michigan to prevent such tragic deaths. This plan saves lives by strengthening the child-restraint system in our state."