Raleigh, NC Politics

Beginning January 1, 2005 all children under the age of 8 or under 80 pounds are required by law to be in a car seat or Booster that is appropriate for their size. Our 7 year old first grader had to go back in to a booster which he did with no complaint. He will ride in a booster until September when he turns 8. My complaint is that the law does not make a whole lot of sense. The reason for the law is safety. When a child rides in a booster the seat belt crosses their chest and shoulder but not their neck. So why wasn't the law based on height? Clearly there are many 6 and 7 year olds taller than some 8 year olds. Age should not be the determining factor.... So the law also says if you are 80 pounds you do not have to use one. You could have an overweight 5 year old not required to be in a booster while your tall skinny 7 year old is. I do hope that this law saves lives, I just think it could have been more clearly thought out.