HB 2675-S.E - DIGEST

(DIGEST AS ENACTED)

     Recognizes that fewer than five percent of all drivers use child booster seats for children over the age of four years.

     Recognizes that seventy-one percent of deaths resulting from car accidents could be eliminated if every child under the age of sixteen used an appropriate child safety seat, booster seat, or seat belt.

     Recognizes the National Transportation Safety Board's recommendations that promote the use of booster seats to increase the safety of children under eight years of age.

     Declares an intent to decrease deaths and injuries to children by promoting safety education and injury prevention measures, as well as increasing public awareness on ways to maximize the protection of children in vehicles.

     Directs the traffic safety commission to conduct an educational campaign using all available methods to raise public awareness of the importance of properly restraining child passengers and the value of seatbelts to adult motorists.  The traffic safety commission shall report to the transportation committees of the legislature on the campaign and results observed on the highways.  The first report is due December 1, 2000, and annually thereafter.

     Takes effect July 1, 2002.