Parents face big changes in child car seat installation laws in Colorado

In Colorado, significant changes to child restraint system laws will take effect on January 1, 2025. These updates are the first in 14 years and were signed into law by Governor Jared Polis on June 4, 2024. The changes are primarily intended to enhance child safety during vehicle transportation, particularly focusing on the protection of children's heads, necks, and spines during crashes. Parents and guardians will be required to ensure that children use car seats or booster seats until they are 9 years old, an increase from the previous law that allowed children to transition from these devices at 8 years old. Additionally, the law states that children under 18 must be properly restrained in a seat belt or child restraint system, which raises the previous age threshold from 16 to 18 years. For infants and toddlers, the new guidelines specify that children under 2 years old who weigh over 40 pounds may use either a rear-facing or forward-facing car seat, providing flexibility while still prioritizing safety. The State Child Passenger Safety Training Coordinator, Angel Giffin, emphasized the need for these updates, mentioning the alarming presence of distracted or impaired drivers on the roads. Giffin noted that even cautious drivers should be prepared for potential accidents, and stressed the importance of taking time to secure children properly in their seats. This proactive approach aims to mitigate the risks associated with vehicle crashes, thus prioritizing the health and well-being of young passengers. Parents are encouraged to be vigilant about the authenticity and safety of car seats. The article advises checking for counterfeit car seats, which can lack the necessary certifications and pose a serious risk to children. To ensure safety, it is recommended to verify labels, manufacturer tags, and expiration dates on car seats before use. Furthermore, registration of car seats with manufacturers is encouraged so that parents can receive notifications in the event of recalls. Efforts are being made to educate parents and guardians on these new laws to ensure compliance and promote child safety in vehicles. Professional assistance is available through Car Seat Specialists, which helps families properly install and use car seats. Overall, these legislative changes mark a significant step in enhancing child passenger safety in Colorado, aligning with best practices and recommendations from safety organizations.