New Oregon Law Makes Child Car Seat Requirements Stricter

The Oregon Governor, Kate Brown, recently signed a critical health and safety bill into law which protects children – by requiring children under age 2 to ride in rear-facing car seats.

Oregon is now the sixth state in the country to raise car seat standards to align with recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Oregon state Rep. Sheri Malstrom was the chief legislative sponsor of the bill.

“As a public health nurse, I’ve talked with thousands of parents about the life-saving difference the right car seat can make,” Malstrom said. “Putting more children in rear-facing car seats will prevent serious injuries and save lives. It’s critical that we continue educating Oregonians about the positive impact this change will have for children and their families.”

Research shows that children under the age of 2 are five times less likely to suffer injuries or death when using a rear-facing car seat compared to a forward-facing one.

When a car seat is used properly, rear-facing car seats reduce children’s injury risk by more evenly distributing impact forces during a crash.

Car crashes are one of the leading causes of death for children.