Keeping your child safe is a parent's most important job, yet each year thousands of children die in car crashes.
A new law in Illinois may help change that.
Starting in January 2019, children younger than 2 years old must ride in a rear-facing car seat. The only exception: if the child is taller than 40 inches or weighs more than 40 pounds.
Under the current Illinois law, parents or legal guardians are only required to provide approved child restraint systems while transporting their children under the age of eight.
The change in law comes years after the Academy of Pediatrics recommended it in 2011. Studies show that children this age are 75 percent less likely to die or be severely injured in a crash if they are riding rear-facing.
If the new law is violated, parents could face a $75 fine for a first offense, while second offenses could cost up to $200.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says 80 percent of car seats are not used properly.
If you are unsure how to install one, you can go to Safekids.org to learn how to use it and or find a technician to help you.
