Safety coalition promotes kid car safety

Ken Johnston

The Rainy River Valley Safety Coalition (RRVSC) and the Ontario Ministry of Transportation (MTO) have teamed up to bring you all some “Smart Love” this week.
In conjunction with the annual spring seat belt blitz this week by the Ontario Provincial Police, the RRVSC and MTO held a colouring contest to raise awareness about not only how seat belt usage saves lives but how required booster seats for older children can as well.
RRVSC Administrative Coordinator Hugh Dennis said that the goal was to get the kids interested so that they can take the information to their parents.
A new law, Bill 73, was enacted last fall that is called “An Act to Enhance the Safety of Children and Youth on Ontario’s Roads.”
While there was laws in place before Bill 73, the new act has a component that specifically outlines the required use of a booster seat for kids that have outgrown a car seat but are too small for a regular seat belt. The Smart Love campaign, running from April 17-24, 2006, highlights the proper use of child restraint ad booster seats.
The law requires children under the age of eight who weigh 18 kg (40lbs) or more but less than 36 kg (80 lbs) and are less than 145 cm. (4’9”) in height to use a booster seat.
Seat belts are designed to protect adults. Booster seats raise a child up so that the adult belts works more effectively. Booster seats protect against serious injuries 3.5 times better than adult belts alone.
The proper way to use a booster seat
The top of the booster seat, or vehicle headrest must support the child’s head. The shoulder strap must cross between the child’s shoulder and neck (not the face), and the lap belt must cross low over the hips (not stomach).

Dennis presented Star Martin, age 3 and Lauryn Marchant, age 3, both of Emo with prizes for winning the colouring contest published in the Rainy River Record. Additional winners were announced in Fort Frances and Atikokan.
“We hope to get the message out about the age, size and safety of kids,” concluded Dennis.