Gov. Brown mandates new rear-facing car seat law

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- A new law signed by Governor Brown, will change the rules for parents whose children need a rear-facing car seat. The new law says kids in cars have to be strapped into those seats until the age of two years old, instead of 12 months old.

Not every parent is thrilled about this new rule.

"I think it's better for kids to point at things see things and be aware of surroundings," said parent Josh Alvarez.

"When they're facing backwards, their legs get scrunched up and they get uncomfortable. And as a parent, you can't see them in the mirror," explained Mark Buthcre, also a parent.

But pediatricians and traffic safety experts say it's all in the name of safety.

They say in the case of an accident, a child's head and spine are better protected, if their car seat is rear facing.

In fact, one study shows that children ages two and under are 75 percent less likely to die or be severely injured in a collision if they face the back.

Children taller than 40 inches or weighing more than 40 pounds are exempt from this requirement.

The new law goes into effect in 2017.