Laws on car seat safety in Alberta not in line with other provinces
Alberta Health Services released up-to-date recommendations on car seat safety on May 2, 2017 but the laws have yet to change regarding booster seats for kids in Alberta.
Booster seats are required for children under 4 feet, 9 inches in all provinces except Alberta. Most also require booster seats for children of a minimum of 7 years of age, with 9 years being the most common recommendation nationally.
The AHS recommendations on booster seats do suggest the use of a booster seat until a child is 4’9” or between 8 and 12 years of age, but it is not legally required. These recommendations are largely based on research that shows seat belts typically ride quite high on smaller children’s bellies and necks, which can result in serious injuries in the event of an accident.
“Alberta’s child restraint laws are quite upsetting to me not only as a CPST, but as a parent as well,” said Sophia Middleton, Child Passenger Safety Technician.