A lot of a debate has surrounded HB 279 over the past couple of days. Monday night a bill sponsored by Allen Howell (D-Hartwell) passed in the Georgia State House of Representatives. The bill, whose summary can be found here, would amend OCGA § 40-8-76(b)(2), raising the age limit of children in required to ride in booster car seats from 6 to 8. The height limit of 4 foot 9 and weight limit of 40 pounds would remain the same. Representative Howell has since commented that raising the minimum age would ensure that less children would suffer injuries in the event of an automobile accident. HB 279 follows Madison’s Law, which was enacted in 2004, after five year-old Madison Hartley survived in her car seat after an SUV sheared off the side of the minivan she was riding in. Many credited the booster seat with saving the child’s life. The Governor’s Office for Highway Safety has also stated that the age limits should be in place so parents don’t assume that their children have outgrown car seats.
While critics state that raising the age limit requiring use of booster seats is a moot point, car accidents remain the leading cause of death for toddlers and children.