DPS Reminds Parents About Transporting Children Safely
MINERAL WELLS – As we begin a new school year, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is reminding parents about the law for transporting children safely.
Texas law states that all children younger than 8 years old, unless taller than 4’9”, are required to be in an appropriate child safety seat system wherever they ride in a passenger vehicle. The best safety practice is: if the child is not yet 4’9”, they are better protected if they continue to use the appropriate child safety seat system until they can properly fit in the adult safety belt.
Children are safer if they ride properly restrained in the back seat than if they are in the front seat. Follow the vehicle manufacturers’ requirements and recommendations to keep all children, 12 years old and younger properly restrained in the back seat. Texas law does not specify where in the vehicle a child is required to ride – BUT – the law does require that all child safety seat systems must be used according to the owner’s manuals. Some manufacturers prohibit using their products in certain seating positions of different vehicles.
For more information, visit www.dps.texas.gov and click on the Child Passenger Safety link found on the homepage.