Booster Seat Campaign Kicks Off
An advertising campaign promoting a new law to protect young passengers from injury was launched today, Nov. 1, in Halifax.
The campaign gives parents information about booster seat regulations that take effect Jan. 1, 2007, and tips on how to select the proper seat. Television, Internet and print ads start this week.
"Seatbelts save lives, but they are not designed for children," said Transportation and Public Works Minister Angus MacIsaac. "Many parents do not understand that seatbelts do not provide sufficient protection for children in the four- to nine-year-old age range. By simply using the right seat, parents make the drive to school, the mall or the cottage many times safer for children."
On Jan. 1, 2007, it will be mandatory for anyone transporting children to make sure those children are properly secured in an infant seat, child seat, or booster seat.
"The Department of Health Promotion and Protection is proud to be working with the Department of Transportation and Public Works, the Road Safety Advisory Committee and the Child Safety Link to protect Nova Scotia's young passengers on our roads," said Barry Barnet, Minister of Health Promotion and Protection. "Most injuries are predictable and preventable. These new regulations are another opportunity to protect Nova Scotians and work towards having the healthiest population in Canada."
When used correctly, booster seats can reduce the risk of serious injury by more than 60 per cent. A booster seat keeps the seatbelt positioned correctly over a child's shoulder, chest and hips -- areas of the body that can better withstand the forces of a crash.
"We know that car seats save lives. All around Nova Scotia, volunteers and professionals are promoting car seat safety to reduce the number of serious injuries to children," said Sandra Newton, manager for Child Safety Link. "Through the car seat safety strategy, Child Safety Link is working with these community groups to ensure that children can grow to reach their full potential."
Information about Nova Scotia's booster seat laws can be found at www.momsanddads.ca . The website also gives parents and caregivers tips on how to select, and properly fit children in, a car seat or booster seat.
A Child Safety Link car seat specialist is available toll-free at 1-866-288-1388.
Canadian child safety seat manufacturer, Dorel Industries Inc., is supporting the Nova Scotia booster seat campaign with $5,000 in promotional materials to help teach families when a child should be in a booster seat. Dorel is the world's largest manufacturer of booster seats.
The penalty for not ensuring a child is safely secured in a seat is $157.50 and two licence demerit points for a first offence.