(Baton Rouge, LA) - A hilarious AI-generated graphic about booster seats for all drivers under a certain age, claiming to be from the Louisiana State Police, has made the rounds on social media, and officials with LSP want you to know it's obviously fake.
Is the 5'2" Booster Seat Rule Real? Here's What Louisiana Law Actually Says
Booster seats are required for children in Louisiana, but it depends on their height, weight, and age. This funny "announcement" really had a pseudo-official look, as it had the logos of both the Louisiana State Police and the Louisiana Department of Public Safety.
Naturally, the post went viral.
How the Fake LSP Post Fooled So Many People
What was so eye-catching was the claim. According to this fake announcement, a new law went on the books September 1st in Louisiana requiring anyone under 5'2" to be legally mandated to have a booster seat while driving!
LSP Confirms It's Fake, and What They Want You to Know Instead
This "announcement" looked great when it was posted on social media, and it took plenty of people by surprise, so much so that the Louisiana State Police had to officially come out to explain that this was all an AI-generated joke and was, in fact, fake.
Can you imagine adults who are under 5'2" actually having to use a booster seat in order to drive their car in Louisiana? It really did take some people off guard.
The Silver Lining: Free Car Seat Checks Are Real
If there is a silver lining to the fake meme on social media, it is that it sets the stage for a great reminder. The Louisiana State Police offers free checks and installation of child car and booster seats at each troop throughout the state. Nationally certified technicians staff them. It's free and extremely helpful, as statistics show most of us install our car seats incorrectly.
Here are some useful tools to take advantage of this free program:
- Statewide Fitting Location Stations
- Buckled Up Louisiana Facebook page
- Louisiana Highway Safety Commission
- Contact Your Local Louisiana State Police Troop
Now, while this is a fake, maybe whoever concocted this "announcement" really helped the Louisiana State Police. Hear me out. Child Passenger Safety Week is coming up from September 20 through September 26, and National Seat Check Saturday is September 26, so people who may not have paid attention before now know how they can access free help.
In Lafayette Parish alone, there are 11 locations where you can go to get free help with your child's safety seat.
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Gallery Credit: Stacker