In Jacksonville, law enforcement is reinforcing the importance of vehicle safety for children. The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office is reminding parents and caregivers about the legal requirements for proper car seat use. In a recent social media post, the agency shared incidents involving Traffic Enforcement Officer Tanner May, who stopped two drivers for speeding and found children in their vehicles without the required safety restraints. One case involved a 5-year-old child seated in the front seat, a position that significantly increases the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office delivered a clear message: “Your child needs to be in the property safety seat while riding in the car. No exceptions.” The statement emphasized both the safety risks and legal consequences of non-compliance. Failing to properly restrain a child in a vehicle is not only hazardous but also a ticketable offense. “Our officers will write you a ticket,” the post warned, reinforcing that child passenger safety laws are strictly enforced.
Motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death among children in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Car seats and booster seats are known to reduce fatal injury significantly, but only when used correctly. “One hard brake or someone rear-ending you could send your child to the hospital,” the sheriff’s office noted…