The Personal - Poll: Canadian parents support booster seat law, but few use them

A new survey of Canadian motorists indicates that drivers may not be practicing what they're preaching when it comes to buckling their children in the most effective way.

According to a poll conducted by safety advocacy group Safe Kids Canada, most parents favour the idea of Canadian officials requiring a booster seat law but few parents with kids who need to use one have a seat installed.

The poll found that approximately four out of five households - 78 percent - support making booster seats mandatory, but only 30 percent of Canadian children ride in one, according to Transport Canada.

"Parents need to know that although seatbelts are an effective safety device, they are designed for adult bodies and not young children" said Pamela Fuselli, executive director of Safe Kids Canada. "The solution is simple, if your child has outgrown their forward-facing car seat and is under four feet nine inches tall or 145 centimetres, put them in a booster seat. It could save their life."

Auto insurance companies often provide reviews of which child seats have the best safety ratings. Policyholders should consider purchasing one for their child if they don't have one, as Safe Kids Canada says booster seats reduce the risk of injury by up to 60 percent.