FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 27, 2019
Contact: Pete Daniels 202-408-1711, 301-442-2249, pdaniels@saferoads.org
Statement of Cathy Chase, President, Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety on New Child Car Seat Law Taking Effect in Virginia
Legislation Will Save Lives and Prevent Injuries During Crashes
Just in time for the July 4 holiday travel season, Virginia will become the latest state requiring children to remain in rear-facing safety seats until age two or older, or until a child reaches the minimum weight limit for a forward-facing child restraint device. This important legislative upgrade passed last year and takes effect on Monday, July 1.
Children who are properly restrained in a child safety seat that is suitable for their age and size are far less likely to be killed or seriously injured in a car crash. In fact, one study conducted by the University of Virginia noted that children (age 0-23 months) in forward-facing car seats were significantly more likely to be seriously injured than children restrained in rear-facing car seats in all crash types. Moreover, the American Academy of Pediatrics finds that children are 75 percent less likely to suffer severe or fatal injuries in a crash if they are facing the rear.
With the summer travel season being one of the deadliest times of year on our roadways, ensuring the safety of our most vulnerable passengers is paramount. Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety commends Virginia for passing this important law. We call on the other 36 states across the country lacking a rear-facing through age two law to follow suit by enacting this essential protection.
###