Colorado’s Child Passenger Safety Laws Keep Your Child Safe

There is nothing more tragic than a fatal car accident involving a child. Over the years, Colorado legislators have passed a myriad of laws to keep children safe when traveling in a motor vehicle. As a parent or caregiver, it is your responsibility to ensure children are properly secured during every trip whether you are heading to school or over the mountains to grandma’s house.

COLORADO BOOSTER SEAT LAWS

Children under the age of 3 and under 20 lbs. are required to be secured in a rear-facing child seat placed in the back seat of the vehicle. When the child exceeds 20 lbs, they can be placed within a forward safety seat if desired. Once the child exceeds 40 lbs, they must be placed within a forward facing seat or booster seat. Children between the ages of 4 to 7 can sit in a forward facing safety seat or booster. Once the child is 8 years old, they can be secured using only the seat belt.

CHOOSING A SAFETY SEAT

Five-point harness systems provide the best protection for children regardless of age or weight. These systems better distribute the forces generated during a car accident. Make sure the seat meets or exceeds Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213 and check the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s rating regarding ease of use. Lastly, scour reviews for signs of defects and other problems that could put your child at risk. Remember, you don’t have to buy the trendiest and most expensive child safety seat to keep your child safe; you want to buy the most effective safety seat to protect them from injuries.

NEED HELP?

Boulder-Fire Rescue can do more than just respond to a fatal car accident; they help ensure your child will survive an accident. You can schedule a free car seat check with Boulder-Fire Rescue anytime. They will inspect your seat for damage, make sure it is properly installed in your vehicle, and show you how to properly adjust the seat as your child grows. Each appointment takes approximately 30 minutes and it’s one of the best investments of time any parent can make.

We invite you to contact Sloat, Nicholson & Hoover, P.C. at (303) 447-1144 with your questions about Colorado child safety seat laws. It is our pleasure to give you the information that can help your child survive a fatal car accident in Colorado.