BEGINNING JULY 1, 2007, ALL CHILDREN TO AGE 8 WILL BE REQUIRED TO BE IN A BOOSTER SEAT!  If your child is 7 years old and has not been in a booster seat, you need to put them back in until their 8th birthday.  This law has changed due to many children still being too small to ride in a vehicle seat belt safely.  Many states around us has have had the age 8 restriction for some time.

CALL THE BOTETOURT COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE YOUR CHILD'S SAFETY SEAT CHECK...473-8351.

Which seat do you need?

Rear Facing Infant Seats - use in the back seat from birth to at least one year of age and at least 20 pounds.  Children should be kept rear-facing as long as possible based on the recommendations of each individual child safety seat.

Forward Facing Toddler Seats - should be used in the back seat from age one and 20 pounds to at least age four and 40 pounds.  Children should be kept in a harness as long as possible based on the recommendations of each individual child safety seat.

Booster Seats - should be used in the back seat from about age four to at least age eight - unless the child is 4 ft. 9 inches or taller.  

Seat Belts - can be used for children at least eight years old or taller than 4 ft. 9 inches.  The lap portion of the belt should fit low across the hips and the shoulder harness should fit across the center of the chest while the child is sitting with back against the back of the seat and knees bent across the edge of the seat.

It is best practice for all children under age 12 to ride in the back seat.

Always read the instructions that come with your child safety seat as manufacturer's recommendations vary from company to company.

The Commonwealth of Virginia requires that all children ride in a child safety seat or booster seat until at least age 6.  This is a minimal standard, and it is best practice for a child to ride in an approved child safety device until they reach the maximum height and weight requirements.

For more information regarding car seat checks or how to obtain a car seat, call 473-8351.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration - for car seat recalls and other safety tips!

A reminder that all children under the age of 16 MUST be buckled in a seat belt and children under the age of 6 MUST be restrained in an appropriate child safety seat.  THIS IS A VIRGINIA LAW and is probable cause for an officer to make a traffic stop.  Failure to comply with this law can result in fines, points against your driver's license, and injury or death to a child.

Vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for children between the ages 4 and 16.

For more information, email scoleman@co.botetourt.va.us or call 473-8351.