PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) - Toddlers in Rhode Island are now required to ride in rear-facing car seats.
Democratic Gov. Gina Raimondo signed a bill into law this week requiring car seats to face backward for all children until they’re 2 years old.
The law took effect immediately.
Advocates say facing children toward the back of the vehicle dramatically lowers their risk of death or serious injury during crashes.
The state already had required children under age 8 to sit in a back seat using a federally approved child restraint system such as a booster seat.
Rhode Island is one of several states that now have rear-facing seat requirements for the youngest children. Selling such seats is also now an industry standard.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.