## crash fact 

A correctly used child safety seat reduces the risk of fatality by 71 per cent and the risk of serious injury by 67 per cent. It’s your responsibility as the driver to make sure that children are seated in the appropriate child safety seat and you may be ticketed and fined for failing to do so. 

## Safety restraints for children 

Every year in B.C., an average of 1,300 children under age nine are injured and three are killed in motor vehicle crashes. Every time a child travels as a passenger in a motor vehicle, they are at risk of being involved in a collision. 

The correct use of a Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (CMVSS) — approved child safety seat will ensure a child is properly restrained and significantly reduce their risk of serious injury or death in the event of a crash. It’s your responsibility as the driver to make sure that all your passengers are properly secured with seatbelts or child‑restraint systems. 

## stage 1 — rear-facing 

• From birth until at least  one year old and 9 kg (20 lbs). 

• Place in back seat. 

• Position centre‑rear. 

• Rear‑facing as long as possible. 

• NOT on front seat with an active airbag. 

## stage 2 — forward-facing with tether 

• Must be over one year old and over 9 kg (20 lbs). 

• Up to at least 18 kg (40 lbs). 

• Place in back seat. 

• May remain rear‑facing if allowed by manufacturer’s weight limits. 

• Always use with a tether strap. 

## stage 3 — booster seat 

• Booster seats ensure proper seatbelt fit. They raise the child to correctly position the adult seatbelt across the bony structures of the chest and pelvis. It’s safest if a child remains in a booster seat until they reach 145 cm (4’9”). 

• Must be over 18 kg (40 lbs). 

• Required until at least  nine years old or  145 cm (4’9”), whichever comes first. 

• Place in back seat. 

• Booster is used with a lap/shoulder seatbelt. 

• Position lap belt low over hip bones and shoulder belt over shoulder and in front of chest. 

• Do not use a booster seat with only a lap belt. 

