Mineola, NY -Traffic accidents are the leading cause of death among children between the ages of four and 14 which is why Nassau County Legislator Joseph Scannell (D-Baldwin) is pleased to announce that a new vehicle and traffic law requiring all children ages 4 through 6 to be restrained in a child booster seat will go into effect on March 27, 2005.

Many children who ride in safety seats are improperly unsecured. A recent survey of more than 17,000 children found that only 15% of children in safety seats were correctly harnessed into appropriately installed seats.

"I am a strong supporter of this legislation because the statistics associated with traffic incidents involving children are way too high, said Legislator Scannell. "Even in a minor crash a child that is five or six years old could be thrown from the vehicle, injuring themselves and possibly others. Parents need to place children in a restrained car seat that is safe for both their weight and size immediately."

According to Scannell, the current child safety seat law requires children only under the age of four to be properly restrained in a federally approved child safety seat. This new law extends the use of child seats up to the age of seven. Individuals found in violation of this law will be subject to a civil fine ranging between $25 and $ 100 dollars.

For more information about this free program residents can contact the Nassau County Traffic Safety Board at 516-571-6218 or Scannell's office at 516-571-6205.