Albany, N.Y. - A new state law takes effect Friday requiring any child under the age of two to be in a rear-facing car seat.
“The safety of people, especially children, traveling on our roadways is a top priority for New York,”says DMV Commissioner Mark Schroeder. “Parents and caregivers need to make sure children’s restraints are properly installed and fitted correctly. I encourage caregivers to attend one of our many child safety seat check events which are offered for free throughout the year.”
The Governor's Traffic Safety Committee wants to remind parents that if a child outgrows an infant-only seat before reaching their 2nd birthday, it is recommended that they use a convertible or all-in-one car seat with higher rear-facing height and weight limit.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recommends keeping children in a year facing position until they are four years old. Rear-facing seats are the best option for a young child because they are equipped with a harness and, in a crash, cradle and move with the child to reduce the stress to the child's neck and spine.