Galef/Robach Car Seat Bill Going Into Effect This November

Bill A.8100/S.652, sponsored by New York State Assemblywoman Sandy Galef and Senator Joe Robach, will be going into effect on Friday, November 1, 2019. This law requires that children under two years of age be restrained in a rear-facing car seat in most instances. This new safety regulation will increase the safety of young passengers in cars by protecting their heads, necks, and spines from injuries that are more likely to occur when in front facing seats. Similar laws are in place in California, New Jersey, Oklahoma, and Pennsylvania. Galef notes that while most bills take about 7 years to pass both houses and get signed by the Governor, this legislation was passed in a record time of one year.

When in a car crash, the best situation for a young child is for them to be in a seat that protects their head from moving independent of their neck. Having children less than two years old sit in rear-facing seats gives them optimal protection should there be a crash. As of 2017, the leading cause for child deaths are motor vehicle traffic crashes. Moreover, one year olds are five times more likely to suffer injury if they are in a forward facing seat than in a rear facing seat. However, thanks to the proper restraints, fatal injuries decreased by 71 percent for children under one year old and by 54 percent for children between the ages on one and four. Additionally, infants and toddlers in light trucks have seen a decrease of 58 percent and 59 percent respectively.

In recognition of the significance of this legislation, AAA awarded both Assemblywoman Galef and Senator Robach with the “Outstanding Individual Achievement Award”. They were presented with the award in November, 2018, during the 54th annual Northeast Community Traffic Safety Awards.