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.