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Child Restraints and Antique Cars

The question has been asked do antique cars have to have seat belts for children.   Cory Scott Simmons, Assistant State Attorney explains it this way

316.003(21), Florida Statutes contains the following definition:  Motor vehicle.-- Any self-propelled vehicle not operated upon rails or guide way, but not including any bicycle, motorized scooter, electric personal assistive mobility device, or moped.

316.614(3)(a), Florida Statutes provides a list of vehicles exempt from the safety belt law, antique cars are not listed among them.  In section (4) the statute requires all minors to wear a seatbelt at all times while in a vehicle.  Since the legislature specifically excluded vehicles like tractors, motorcycles, and school buses from the safety belt law but did not list antique cars in this list of exclusions, it is safe to assume a legislative intent to include them in the statute. 

316.613 provide specifically for child restraints, with the same exclusions in section (2), and there is no exclusion of antiques there either.        

“Given the legislative findings regarding child safety and child death on the highways, I’m fairly certain that antiques are included in the child restraint law.  The fact that the legislature did not specifically exclude them in the statute when antique cars are included in the definition of the term “motor vehicle” is indicative of a legislative intent to require child restraints while driving. Or let me put it this way – if I were to come across a child safety violation in an antique, and the defendant argued that the law was unclear on the subject, I don’t think a judge would rule that children may go unrestrained on the State’s highways. “Cory Scott Simmons
Assistant State Attorney
Fourth Judicial Circuit
County Division E
(904) 630-2490

So remember even if your antique car didn’t have seat belts when it was made and you want to transport children around you must have them installed in your car.

 

Parking lot safety tips.
 
  Whether you're shopping for the holidays or running errands, you can avoid some of the most hazardous situations in parking lots by following the common sense tips listed below.
bulletBe especially alert in parking lots where people run short errands, such as post offices, convenience stores and video rental stores. More cars moving in and out create a greater chance of a collision.
bulletIf you have a choice, choose an angled parking space. They are easier to enter, making it less likely that you will bump another car.
bulletWalk around your car before you get in, noting potholes, curbs, posts, too-close cars and other impediments before your bumper does.
bulletAs you back out, look in all directions for pedestrians. Kids who have run ahead of their parents are a special concern because they are often below your sightlines.
bulletKeep your car well-maintained. Check your tires regularly, especially toward the end of their expected life, around 40,000 miles.
bulletIf you are a member of the AARP Motoring Plan, be sure to keep your Roadside Assistance number with you. Remember, Roadside Assistance benefits include jump-start, tow, fuel and tire change, as well as lockout service.
bulletPark your car in a well-lit spot. It will be easier to find and less of a target for theft or vandalism.
bulletWalk toward your car with your keys out and ready. Many remote keyless entry systems have a "panic" button that will flash the car's lights and/or honk the horn to startle unwanted company or help you locate your car.
bulletMake sure you understand the way your car locks and unlocks. It sounds simple, but with remote systems, central locking and automatic locking, many car owners don't know which doors unlock when.
IMPORTANT INFO ON CAR-JACKING
 
YYou walk across the parking lot, unlock your car and get inside. You start the engine and shift into Reverse . When you look into the rearview mirror to back out of your parking space, you notice a piece of paper stuck to the middle of the rear window. So, you shift into Park, unlock your doors and jump out of your car to remove that paper (or whatever it is) that is obstructing your view.  

 When you reach the back of your car, that is when the car jackers appear out of nowhere, jump into your car and take off. They practically mow you down as they speed off in your car. And guess what, ladies? I bet your purse is still in the car.  

 So now the carjacker has your car, your home address, your money, and your keys. Your home and your whole identity are now compromised!   

BEWARE OF THIS NEW SCHEME THAT IS NOW BEING USED.  

If you see a piece of paper stuck to your back window, just drive away, remove the paper later and be thankful that you read this e-mail.
 

                              

Seven hurricane-protection tips for collectors

American Collectors Insurance said many of the following tips were effective during the devastating 2005 hurricane season:

1. Use a waterproof/padded tarp on the vehicle.
2. Remove heavy objects from shelves and ceiling.
3. Shore up the garage door.
4. Secure any openings to the attic from the garage with latches or lumber.
5. Use plywood to protect garage windows.
6. Keep automobile titles and other documents sealed in plastic bags in a safe that won’t get lost.
7. Participate in a car club. Tap in to fellow car lovers as the best resource for local and regional repair shops and other resources before, during and after an emergency.