Massachusetts Lawmakers Urged to Prioritize Child Safety in Vehicles: Rear-Facing Seats Proposal Gains Momentum

In a move to enhance child safety measures on the roads, Massachusetts legislators are being encouraged to revisit and strengthen existing laws governing child safety restraints in vehicles. The proposed legislation, introduced in multiple sessions, advocates for mandatory rear-facing carriers for children under two years old or weighing less than 30 pounds, emphasizing the importance of keeping young passengers in the back seats.

The bill further proposes that children remain restrained until the age of eight or until they reach a height of 57 inches, aligning with recognized best practices in child safety. Advocates argue that bringing state law in line with these practices will not only provide clarity for parents and guardians but will also streamline enforcement efforts by law enforcement, firefighters, doctors, and nurses.

Art Kinsman, Regional Administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, emphasized that the proposed legislation aims to address the common query from parents: “What is the right thing to do?” By ensuring that state laws mirror established best practices, lawmakers hope to eliminate confusion and promote safer practices for child passengers.

Senator Barry Finegold, the bill’s sponsor, highlighted the significance of the rear-facing position as the safest way for young children to travel. Citing recent statistics indicating a resurgence in motor vehicle crashes in Massachusetts, Finegold stressed the urgency of updating safety measures. In 2022 alone, the state reported 130,000 motor vehicle crashes resulting in 30,000 injuries.

Barbara DiGirolamo, responsible for Boston Children’s Hospital’s injury prevention program, emphasized the protective benefits of rear-facing seats, likening them to a “turtle shell” that shields a child’s head, neck, and spine during an impact. DiGirolamo shared alarming insights into the consequences of forward-facing seats, detailing potential injuries such as brain and spinal cord injuries and internal decapitations.

Advocates argue that updating child safety laws will have a direct impact on reducing injuries and fatalities. DiGirolamo urged lawmakers to prioritize the proposed measures, emphasizing the hospital’s yearly intake of approximately 200 patients with injuries stemming from motor vehicle crashes.

The proposed legislation has garnered support from various quarters, including Rep. Carlos Gonzalez, co-chairman of the Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security. Gonzalez highlighted existing initiatives, such as MassHealth providing convertible car seats to low-wage earners, and the Massachusetts Department of Transportation’s program offering boosters to residents up to the age of eight.

Mandi Summers, Director of the Massachusetts Child Passenger Safety Program at Bay State Children’s Hospital, cited a study conducted across five states, indicating a three-fold increase in booster seat usage after the implementation of similar laws. The study also revealed a 6% rise in children riding in the back seat and corresponding decreases in injuries: a 5% drop in non-fatal injuries and a 17% reduction in incapacitating or fatal incidents.

Summers concluded with a poignant reminder: “One preventable child injury or death is one too many,” urging lawmakers to prioritize child safety on the roads.

source: https://www.telegram.com/story/news/state/2023/12/04/rear-facing-seats-cradle-toddlers-like-turtle-shells-keeping-their-heads-necks-spines-safe/71800406007/?fbclid=IwAR30Q8uH70rJ351FhXxpyWFgfMzkQoe_AEfBE5_9oZJpyeOuX6WiFmR7rt8

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