Madison’s Story
How One 5-Year-Old Helped Change
Georgia’s Booster Seat Law
She didn’t know it yet, but she was going to change Georgia’s laws…
At just five years old, Jenny Harty's daughter Madison survived a violent hit-and-run crash — because she was correctly buckled in a booster seat.
It happened on a rural Georgia road, where a logging truck ran a stop sign and slammed into our minivan. The force of the crash sent the families minivan down a deep ravine. When first responders arrived, they told Madison's mom, "That booster seat saved your daughter’s life."
In the weeks that followed, Jenny was shocked to learn that Georgia law didn’t even require booster seats for children like Madison.
Without her seat, the outcome could have been tragic — and yet many kids were riding unprotected every day.
That’s when I knew Jenny knew she had to act.
From Crash to Cause: Fighting for Madison’s Law
Madison's mom became a mama on a mission. Over the next two years, she worked tirelessly at the Georgia State Capitol, alongside dedicated advocates and legislators. Together, they fought to pass what would become known as Madison’s Booster Seat Law — requiring children under age eight to ride in a car seat or booster seat appropriate for their age, weight, height and developmental level.
Today, thousands of Georgia children ride safer because of this law. Grateful Madison’s story helped make that possible.
Why I Wrote Francie & Fitz Booster Buddies
After helping pass Madison’s Booster Seat Law, my mission didn’t stop. I wanted to spark meaningful conversations about booster seat safety in cars, classrooms, and kitchens everywhere.
That’s why I wrote Francie & Fitz Booster Buddies. A rhyming picture book designed to make safety fun, memorable, and empowering for little riders.
When children understand why riding safely matters, they’re more likely to build lifelong safety habits.
Why Booster Seat Safety Matters
Many parents wonder: When should my child stop using a booster seat?
The answer might surprise you.
Unfortunately, too many families believe that children are ready for adult seat belts way too soon.
Here’s what every parent should know:
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Seat belts are designed for adults — not young children.
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Without a booster, seat belts often fit improperly, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
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A booster seat can reduce the risk of serious injury by 45% for children aged 4–8.
Madison’s story could have had a very different ending. Her booster seat made all the difference. I want every family to know this truth — and to feel empowered to protect their precious cargo on every ride.