MAHONING VALLEY Group to give away booster seats for cars

There is a bill pending that would ensure that children between 4 and 8 are properly restrained in all vehicles.
YOUNGSTOWN -- In support of National Child Passenger Safety Week, American Automobile Association and its Ohio Motorists Safety Foundation will have a car booster seat voucher giveaway Monday through Feb. 16 at the Mahoning and Trumbull County AAA-Ohio Motorists Association offices.
To make children safer in motor vehicles, these offices will distribute Ford's Boost America vouchers to income-eligible families that can be taken to Toys "R" Us to be redeemed for a "Right Fit" low back booster or have $22.99 applied toward the purchase of another choice of booster seat.
All three of these qualifications must be met:
UChild must be present and weigh between 40 pounds and 80 pounds.
UVehicle must have a lap and shoulder type safety belt protecting the seat available for child to use regularly. (Not available in rear seats of most 1988 and older vehicles.)
UIncome eligibility (has WIC or Ohio Medicaid Card or declares number of family members and total household income.)
UIf you have questions, call (800) 845-0375 for assistance.
"When 4-year-olds outgrow their safety seats at 40 pounds, they're still too small for adult safety belts. Kids under 4 feet 9 inches and 80 pounds need to use a booster seat," said Dennis Burke, executive director of Ohio Motorists Safety Foundation. "The booster raises the child so that the lap portion of the belt sits correctly across their hip bones and better positions the shoulder belt."
Legislation: AAA in Ohio strongly encourages passage House Bill 334, aimed at ensuring that every child between 4 and 8 is properly restrained while riding in a motor vehicle.
All of Ohio's 14 AAA Clubs, including the locally based AAA-Ohio Motorists Association, endorse House Bill 334, which was introduced by state Rep. Kevin DeWine, R-Fairborn, and is pending before the House State Government Committee.
Booster seat vouchers will be available while supplies last.
The OMSF, a nonprofit traffic safety foundation, is supported by the voluntary contributions of AAA members and other individuals, groups and organizations.