Last year a bill went to the SC State Legislature regarding child safety seat laws and was rejected.
South Carolina's child passenger safety seat laws have not changed since 1983 despite recommendations on appropriate seating per child's height and weight.
This week, SC House and Senate Subcommittees approved a bill that will go before full committees regarding updated child safety seat laws.
Some of the changes would include children under the age of two to ride in rear-facing safety seats as opposed to the current age limit of one.
Other changes would require children to use a safety seat or booster until age eight or 57 inches tall, instead of the current age six.
As some of the laws stand, certain extra precautions are illegal, like keeping your child in a rear facing seat after age one, although professionals advise that standard. Passing the new bill would place current standards with the new recommendations.
Studies have shown that "a child between one and two years of age who is rear-facing in their car seat is 500 percent less likely to be injured or killed in a car accident," according to Pediatrician Dr. Debbie Greenhouse who spoke to a Senate Subcommittee on the issue.
It is important to protect children in the event of an accident so be aware of what the current safety seat laws are in your area. If you are unfortunate enough to be involved in a car accident, you may need an accident lawyer to help you get the medical treatment you need and get your medical bills paid.
