The City of Mesa Justice Court gave me the exciting opportunity to attend the C.A.P.P. (Children Are Priceless Passengers) program which is a child safety class on how to buckle your children in the car properly. I was pulled over because an officer saw my 4 year old leaning forward in her seat. (her sister was pulling her hair) Did you know that the law is now 5 years old...period. (Emily turned 5 on Saturday!) No weight guidelines at all. There is a weight and height recommendation, but it's not a law. Here are some things I learned:
Did you know that children under the age of 5 not in a carseat is a primary offense, meaning you can get pulled over for it, even if you are doing nothing else wrong? Seatbelt offenses for older children and adults are secondary offenses and you can't be pulled over just becasue he sees you're not wearing it.
Did you know that you're teenage children 16 and older will be issued their own ticket if they are not wearing thier seatbelt and it will go against thier record.
Did you know that it is not against the law to have a carseat in the front even with an airbag, unless it is rearfacing.
Did you know that your 20 pound child, going 30 miles an hour will be propelled through your front windshield with 600 pounds of force (weight X speed = force) if not buckled in?
Did you know that your child is only big enough for an adult seatbelt if her legs can bend over the seat when her behind is all the way up against the back of the seat? (not a law)
Did you know that the carrying handle on your infant carseat must be locked in the down position in order to work properly in a crash?
This was actually a very informative class, and if I hadn't been in labor I think I would have gotten even more out of it. (Class was on Sunday evening and Jackson was born early Monday morning) If you are interested in taking the C.A.P.P. class let me know and I will get you the information. The class cost $25 but you get a free carseat out of it.
That sounds like a lot of good information... I think we tend to forget some of that stuff as time goes by.... I know I do.
ReplyDeleteIf I take the class, do I have to be almost ready to deliver a baby?