Child Passenger Safety Facts

Did you know that everyday 4 children under the age of 14 are killed and another 622 are seriously injured as a result of motor vehicle crashes in this country? Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of unintentional deaths to children from ages 1 to 14.

A recent study by MassSafe noted that "when children were observed in the front passenger seat, their belt usage was 79 percent. Though children represent a portion of belted passengers.... they should not be riding in the front seat at all." Last year the Department issued 1,060 violations for unrestrained children.

The Traffic Programs Section asks that all of our officers aggressively enforce the Massachusetts Child Passenger Seat Belt Law, Ch. 90-7AA.

Selected portion of Ch. 90. Section 7AA:

• No child under age five and no child weighing forty pounds or less shall ride as a passenger in a motor vehicle on any way unless such child is properly fastened and secured, according to the manufacturer's instructions, by a child passenger restraint as defined in section one.
  
• No child who is five years of age or older, but not older than twelve years of age, shall ride as a passenger in a motor vehicle on any way unless such child is wearing a safety belt which is properly adjusted and fastened according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Best practices:

• Children from birth to one year and less than 20 pounds must be in a rear facing Infant Seat.
• Children over 1 year and 20 pounds to 40 pounds must be in a forward facing Car Seat.
• Children over 40 pounds and under 80 pounds must be in a Booster Seat.
• Children under age 13 should not ride in the front seat.
  All children should be riding in the back seat and away from Air Bags.

Anyone with questions or Car Seat installation problems should call the State Police Traffic Programs Section Child Car Seat Hot Line at 508-988-7090.

Remember – always wear your lap and shoulder belt.