What is the Maine law regarding child safety seats?

What is the Maine law regarding child safety seats?

• A. Children under age 2 must be in a rear-facing seat
• B. Children must wear seatbelts at all ages
• C. Children under age 5 can use booster seats
• D. There are no specific laws

Answer: (A)

Maine law mandates that children under the age of 2 must be secured in a rear-facing safety seat. This requirement is based on research indicating that rear-facing seats provide better protection for a child's head, neck, and spine in the event of a crash. The design of these seats supports the child’s body in a way that helps to absorb crash forces, thereby minimizing the risk of serious injury. While it is also important that all children wear seatbelts as they grow older, this requirement may vary depending on age and size, making the statement regarding seatbelts true but less specific in comparison to the focused age requirement for rear-facing seats. Similarly, children over the age of 5 may transition to booster seats, but they must be appropriately sized for that transition. The option stating that there are no specific laws is not accurate, as Maine has established specific regulations to ensure the safety of child passengers.

Maine law mandates that children under the age of 2 must be secured in a rear-facing safety seat. This requirement is based on research indicating that rear-facing seats provide better protection for a child's head, neck, and spine in the event of a crash. The design of these seats supports the child’s body in a way that helps to absorb crash forces, thereby minimizing the risk of serious injury.

While it is also important that all children wear seatbelts as they grow older, this requirement may vary depending on age and size, making the statement regarding seatbelts true but less specific in comparison to the focused age requirement for rear-facing seats. Similarly, children over the age of 5 may transition to booster seats, but they must be appropriately sized for that transition. The option stating that there are no specific laws is not accurate, as Maine has established specific regulations to ensure the safety of child passengers.