Kentucky Governor Urges Stronger Booster Seat Law

Democratic Gov. Steve Beshear said Kentucky is putting children at risk by not requiring them to ride in booster seats until they are at least 9 years old or 57 inches tall.

Kentucky law requires booster seats for children under 7 who are between 40 inches and 50 inches tall. But Beshear said pediatricians and federal highway safety officials say that’s not good enough because seatbelts are designed for taller bodies. He said children who wear seat belts in the wrong position often become trauma patients in wrecks.

Beshear used his final State of the Commonwealth address Wednesday night to urge lawmakers to pass the tougher restrictions. In prepared text, he said 32 states, including all of Kentucky’s neighbors, have stronger laws in place.