SOUTH ABINGTON TOWNSHIP -- Making sure children stay safe is a parent's main priority, especially when it comes to traveling and being on the road.
It's one reason why Governor Tom Wolf signed a new law this week requiring children under 2 years old to be in a rear-facing car seat.
At South Abington Park near Clarks Summit, we found Kathryn Ryon of Factoryville with her soon to be 3-year-old son. She kept her son rear facing until he was 2 but admits it can be hard with tall children.
"We just made due with it, especially just in case there were ever an accident. If I were held liable or whoever was driving him in the car seat. God forbid if something happened to him there would be an issue," Ryon said.
The new law goes hand in hand with the other child safety laws while traveling in vehicles.
Children from birth to age 4 should be in an approved car seat. From ages 4 to 8, children must be in a booster seat and wearing seat belts. Anyone under 18 must be wearing a seat belt no matter where they are sitting in the vehicle.
Adults 18 and older are only required to wear seat belts in the front seats.
Up until now, J.J. Mlecynski's little sister has been facing forward in her car seat. Their mom plans to change that after hearing of the new law.
"We have a compact car and so it was just easier with the car seat and all of us fitting at the same time. With the statistics and everything we're going to rear face her and because of the law now too," Lisa Mleczynski said.
Melissa Rosiecki's son Nicholas is now 2 and a half years old and sits facing forward. She agrees with the new law. She also reminds parents to pay attention to the car seat they're using.
"A parent has to know their child first, but understanding the risks and safety associated with rear facing. Do your research on your car seat knowing what you car seat says for the height and weight of your child," Rosiecki said.
The new law goes into effect in 60 days.
According to the governor's office, only verbal warnings will be issued during the first year after the law goes into effect.
