What age range of child passengers must use a safety belt assembly or be in a child restraint device?

The correct answer indicates that children aged 8 to 17 years must use a safety belt assembly or be in a child restraint device while riding in a vehicle. This requirement is rooted in the recognition that safety belt laws are designed to protect younger passengers who are still developing and may not be adequately secured by standard adult safety belts. The ages 8 to 17 encompass a critical developmental stage where children's sizes can vary significantly.

By ensuring that children in this age bracket are properly restrained, it reduces the risk of injury or fatality in the event of an accident. Laws typically enforce the use of safety measures for passengers within this range to promote safety overall, as seat belts and restraint devices are significantly more effective when used correctly.

On the other hand, the other age ranges provided do not align with the requirements set forth by safety laws. Children under 8 years are typically required to be in child restraint devices, while those over 17 are usually governed by standard adult safety belt laws.