Illinois Now Requires Kids Under 2 To Be In Rear-Facing Car Seats
I was surprised to read that legislation was signed into law this week in Illinois requiring kids under age 2 to be in rear-facing cars seats. I was under the impression that the rear-facing car seat requirement was already law.
According to a report from the Associated Press, the former law only required kids under age 8 to be in a child-restraint seat.
Clearly, the mandate is sensible. Studies show kids fare better in crashes in rear-facing seats.
There is an exemption for kids who are 40 inches or more in length, or over 40 pounds.
If you are unsure whether your car-seat is properly installed - and believe me the installation instructions for these things can be like trying to build the space shuttle - the Rock Island Fire Department often holds child-seat safety checks on Saturdays. Contact the fire department to find out when the next check is scheduled.