Washington State: Kids could be stuck in booster seats until 16

The Everett Herald ^ | May 11, 2007 | Scott Pesznecker and Melissa Slager

[Stoat]

Thousands of Washington children will be forced back into car and booster seats next month when a change to state law takes effect.

On June 1, children will have to stay in the safety seats until they are at least 8 years old or 4 feet, 9 inches tall.

Violators face a $112 ticket.

About half of all children between 6 to 8 years old will be affected by the change, according to safety advocates.

"It's going to be a big challenge for those kids who have been out of the booster seat to get back," said Shawneri Guzman of Snohomish County SAFE KIDS, a nonprofit group that works to prevent childhood injuries.

The change means parents such as Renee Shonko, 44, of Lake Stevens must break the news to their children.

Daughters Lexi, 8, and Karly, 10, aren't exactly thrilled to be going back into booster seats.

"I don't like it," said Karly, who at 4-foot-8 (with shoes on) is taller than most of her classmates. But that's not tall enough for a seat belt to fit her properly.

Currently, children are required to ride in booster seats until they're 6 years old or weigh 60 pounds.

The changes also require children to use booster seats until they are 16 years old if a vehicle's seat belt does not properly fit the child.

Another change requires children younger than 13 to ride in the back seat whenever possible. They're allowed to ride in the front only if the vehicle has no lap-and-shoulder belts in the back seat.

 

[SuziQ]

I’ve seen these Public Service Announcements. I can just imagine how humiliating it would be for a small teenager to be forced into one of these seats! I don’t understand why they’re necessary. You can purchase clips that will keep over the shoulder seat belts in the proper position for shorter folks.

[Sloth]

He honked at people when there was any conceivable chance that they might be a hazard, such as people walking near the road ("they might stumble and fall in front of the car")

Yeah, like when someone behind him startles him by honking for no reason.

[hunter112]

BTW. They passed the same stupid law in New York State.

Thanks....And here I was prepared to get all high and mighty about moving here from WA state last month... :(

[Stoat]

What will they come up with next in Commie Washington State? Breast feed until 20?

"sigh"

The Washington State FReepers and the climate make it worthwhile, but for me at least, if it were not for those attributes and the responsibilities which keep me here, I would have moved long ago despite this being the State of my birthplace.

kerryusama04 is recommending Missouri at #154 here, and I have heard many FReepers say glowing, appreciative things about Texas.  Yesterday on his radio show Mark Levin said some extremely complimentary things about South Carolina, and so I know that there are other options.

I hope that one day I will have the opportunity to investigate at least some of them, as being continually embarrassed by my State, it's laws and it's elected 'leaders' gets very old very fast.

 

[gathersnomoss]

I only wish I lived in Washington. Maybe someday they will wipe the ass of anyone who is over the age of 50.

[gathersnomoss]

And where is Chloe’s belt, hmmmm? Oh, the humanity.

[gathersnomoss]

Come on, r9. Their white.

[steve86]

The thing that pissses me off the most is that those small, backless boosters can't be used unless the car's back seat has headrests. My Geo Metro certainly doesn't have headrests on the back seats. So we're stuck with the clunky big seats. Also, a lot of lower-income people are going to be rightfully indignant about having to buy new child seats to replace the ones that they got rid of. Including this low-income person.

Wonder what the safety Nazis think about my taking the 6 yr old to the shooting range (to shoot!)? Or on the motorbike? (I'd better shut up).

[N3WBI3]

No the Or would mean a kid 8 years old *or* 4’9 does not have to wear the belt. Should be and a kid at least 8 years old *and* over 4’9 dont need it..

[xsmommy]

that’s gotta be you posting under a diff name to yourself....

[steve86]

Another 2 inches and I will require a booster seat! And I am a grandmother.

Same height as my wife, evidently.

Fortunately our kids (we have custody and are guardians) had a real tall dad, but I am ticked off just the same.

Another thing that gets me is that I occasionally put the taller one in the front seat (no air bags) when we need to fold down the back seat to carry something. Can't do that anymore.

Screw the governor and the Washington State Patrol for mindlessly enforcing this!

[Isabelle]

More gov. BS. I guess were just too stupid to care for ourselves.
Reminds me of the movie “Time Machine”.

[Hegewisch Dupa]

From what I’ve learned here, if I were to do that I would invent some geek babe to be all into me, not some more competition for the delicious MLR...

[xsmommy]

how can there possibly be another freak at FR who shares your bizarre taste?

[Hegewisch Dupa]

Hey GofRMcR - you’re being dissed. I thinks she’s jealous.

[The Ghost of Rudy McRomney]

Mnnnn...she’s gorgeous. Always felt that way.

[Hegewisch Dupa]

You the man!

(But keep your hands off her - I called her first)

[The Ghost of Rudy McRomney]

I even think Christine Baranski’s hot. Guess I see sexiness where others don’t . LOL Hard to beat Jamie Lee Curtis, though.

[Hegewisch Dupa]

Hmmmm - I even think you're right...

[xsmommy]

how nice you found a twin ; )-