Know AAA: Advocacy

Take the booster test

For an adult seat belt to protect your child in a crash, it must fit correctly. Try this simple test:

When the child sits all the way back against the auto seat, do his or her knees bend comfortably at the seat edge?
Does the seat belt cross the shoulder (not the neck or the arm)?
Is the lap belt as low as possible, touching the thighs (not across the stomach)?
Can the child stay seated like this for the whole trip?

If you answered "no" to any of these questions, the child needs a booster seat to make the seat belt fit properly. Colorado law requires a booster seat for child passengers who weigh more than 40 pounds, or who are between four and six years old, unless they are 55" tall. AAA recommends using a booster seat for all children from ages four to eight, unless they are 57" or taller.