WHEREAS car crashes are the leading cause of death among children in Canada, and children four to eight years restrained in adult seat belts alone have a significantly greater risk of serious injury; AND WHEREAS road safety legislation should optimize passenger safety for all ages and booster seat legislation would address a major cause of devastating injury for children: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Union of BC Municipalities urge the provincial government to enact a regulation under the Motor Vehicle Act requiring the use of a booster seat in compliance with the Motor Vehicle Safety Regulations of Canada for all children 18 - 36 kg. 40 - 80 lbs. at all times when traveling in a motor vehicle.
Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General Government is committed to improving road safety and reducing risks to all children traveling on BCs highways. The ministry and ICBC are actively conducting a review of the current requirements for child restraint devices. A decision on the best course of action for British Columbia will be made once the research and consultation on this issue are complete.