Not one State has a child restraint law with all of the needed requirements. Nearly half the States, including 8 SLC States, Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas, do not require restraint use for a child in the back seat. And, no State requires booster seats for children between 4 and 8 years old, although Washington State did enact a requirement for children under the age of 6 this year. Every day we delay enacting comprehensive child occupant protection legislation, children are put at risk. In some cases, they die as a result of being ejected from adult seat belts fastened around them by well-meaning parents who believe they are providing adequate protection.
Legislative leadership is needed to establish statewide fitting stations .
Permanent fitting stations where parents or caregivers can receive hands-on assistance in the proper use of child restraint systems by qualified personnel are needed. Each State should have a statewide network of fitting stations. This is an opportunity for the SLC States to lead the nation. Several manufacturers, DaimlerChrysler, GM, and Ford, have established programs in response to Safety Board recommendations. But, States shouldn't wait for automakers to take action.