Fla. One Of Few States Without Booster Seat Law

ORLANDO, Fla. - WESH.com

Children are being hurt badly, at times killed, even when legally wearing seat belts in cars. Florida is one of only three states that does not mandate booster seats, some believe the matter is one of life and death.

Every child under the age of 4 must be strapped into an approved booster seat, but what about kids who outgrow those car seats?

"A 3- or 4-year-old child doesn't properly fit into a car with an adult seat belt," Sgt. Kim Montes of the Florida Highway Patrol said.

Three children were involved in a car crash in 2000, all were wearing seat belts but only one had a booster seat.

"The only surviving child had a booster seat," Montes said. "The other two children were belted in, but they were too small for their seat belts."

Children riding in a vehicle without the special seat could face harm.

"The seat belt's going to hit them in the face, so they'll either tuck it under their arm for comfort, or they're going to put it completely behind their back, and now there's no upper body restraint," Montes said.

Only Florida, Arizona and South Dakota are without booster seat laws.

Senator Thad Altman has drawn up and submitted a bill on the matter which will be debated in the next regular session in Tallahassee.

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