LANSING – State Representative Barb Byrum (D-Onondaga) today announced that her child-safety restraint bill is headed to the full House floor. The House Transportation Committee approved her legislation on Thursday after hearing testimony. Byrum's bill is part of a four-bill package.
"Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of unintentional injury-related deaths to children," Byrum said. "Protecting our children is the No. 1 priority, and my plan only strengthens that resolve."
In 2005, more than 2,300 Michigan children age 8 and younger were injured in crashes, according to the Michigan Department of Community Health. Motor vehicle crashes remained the largest single cause of injury-related deaths in 2005, resulting in 16 deaths for Michigan children age 8 and younger.
Under the plan, drivers would be required to securely place children under the age of 4 in child-restraint safety seats in the rear seat of a vehicle. The package of legislation also would remove the exemption for children who are being nursed. With its current child passenger safety law, Michigan is not eligible to receive over $1 million in federal funding that could be used to provide education and free booster seats to low-income families.
Legislation sent to the full House floor today would bring the state in line with federal laws, allowing Michigan to apply for this funding. Byrum's bill establishes fines for violating the law requiring seat belts or car seats for minors in vehicles, but would waive fines if the driver acquired the mandated car seat prior to the court date.
Under the plan, a manufacturer-certified booster seat would be required for children 8 and younger, and who are not taller than 4 feet, 9 inches. A violation would result in a civil infraction.
A booster seat is four times more effective in preventing head injuries than a seat belt alone.