When Roads Get Slick - The Slick Wear Seat Belts
With winter upon us, and snow and ice inevitable, driving conditions can take a turn for the worse at the drop of a flake. And while it is mandatory for everyone in the state of Maine to wear a seatbelt, now is the time for a friendly reminder of all state seatbelt rules and regulations.
In May 2007, Maine passed regulation that made seatbelts mandatory for all motorists and their passengers. Children, however, have slightly different safety laws than adults to obey.
- Until they are 1 year of age and weigh at least 20 pounds, children must ride in a vehicle rear-facing.
- A child who weighs less than 40 pounds and is less than 4 years of age must ride in a Child Safety Seat (Infant, Convertible, or Combination Seat).
- A child who weighs at least 40 pounds but less than 80 pounds, and who is less than 8 years of age, must ride in a federally approved child restraint system (Booster Seat, EZ-On Harness/Vest).
- A child who is less than 12 years of age and weighs less than 100 pounds must be secured in the back seat, if possible.
Other seatbelt safety tips to remember include:
- Never place a child safety seat in the front seat of a car that has a passenger side airbag.
- An approved safety seat or restraint system will be labeled: “The child restraint system conforms to applicable federal motor vehicle Safety Standards.”
- Always register your child safety seat with the manufacturer.
- Not every child fits in every seat, and not every seat in every car.
There are penalties for failure to obey the law, as police may pull violators over and ticket them. But more important than a fine is the safety of our loved ones, as seats belts really do save lives. So buckle up for safety, and also because it’s the law!
For more information on Maine’s child safety seat and seatbelt laws please visit: http://www.portlandmaine.gov/hhs/hhschildsafetyseatlaw.pdf.
