Safe Kids USA Offers Car Seat Inspections for National Seat Check September 12, 2009
September 14, 2009, 7:49 am
• September 10, 2009 - Safe Kids coalitions around the country are holding approximately 850 vehicle safety events for families during the month of September, including more than 260 car seat checkup events on Sept. 12 for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's National Seat Check Saturday.
Approximately 850 Child Passenger Safety Events Held during the Month
WASHINGTON, Sept. 10 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Safe Kids coalitions around
the country are holding approximately 850 vehicle safety events for families
during the month of September, including more than 260 car seat checkup events
on Sept. 12 for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's National
Seat Check Saturday.
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080410/DC19130LOGO-b)
Coalitions are conducting several different types of educational events to
reach as many families as possible during the month of September in
celebration of Child Passenger Safety Week, which runs from Sept. 12 to 18.
Certified child passenger safety technicians will provide hands-on instruction
in installing child safety seats at a wide variety of community locations such
as General Motors dealerships, hospitals, malls, fire stations and police
departments.
"It's the responsibility of every parent and caregiver to make sure their
children are safely restrained in a vehicle-on every trip, every time," said
Mitch Stoller, President and CEO of Safe Kids Worldwide. "Safe Kids is
offering approximately 850 community events during the month of September, and
we urge every family to get their car seats inspected and learn more about
keeping children safe in and around vehicles. When it comes to the safety of a
child, there is no room for mistakes."
Stoller today joined Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood at a news
conference to announce the National Seat Check Saturday events.
"Parents and caregivers need to learn how to properly install their child's
safety seat so kids are protected on the road," said U.S. Secretary of
Transportation Ray LaHood. "We are very fortunate to partner with a program
like Safe Kids Buckle Up to educate thousands of families during our Seat
Check Saturday activities. Organizations like this help make a real
difference in child safety."
Studies show correctly used child safety seats are extremely effective,
reducing the risk of death by as much as 71 percent. But nearly 73 percent of
child restraints are not installed or used correctly. Nearly half of children
who die in crashes are completely unrestrained.
"I know America's parents are busy, but a few minutes of your time on Saturday
could save you a lifetime of regret," Stoller said. "Don't wait until it's too
late. Safe Kids coalitions around the country have certified child passenger
safety technicians ready to teach parents the best way to secure their
children."
During CPS Week, Safe Kids will also be offering educational seminars, ask the
expert sessions, Spot the Tot and Safest Generation activities that teach
older children how to be safer in and around vehicles. Additionally, Safe Kids
Buckle Up will be educating families about buckling up at General Motors Test
Track at EPCOT Center in Orlando, Fla. Volunteers will be on hand to answer
questions from parents and caregivers throughout the week.
Safe Kids Buckle Up is the child passenger safety program of Safe Kids USA in
partnership with General Motors. The program holds child safety seat checkups
and other vehicle safety events throughout the year. Since 1997, Safe Kids
Buckle Up has inspected more than 1.1 million car seats; held approximately
57,000 car seat checkup events around the country; donated more than 400,000
car seats to families in need and educated more than 20 million parents and
caregivers.
To locate a Safe Kids Buckle Up car seat checkup event on Seat Check Saturday
or throughout the year, go to www.usa.safekids.org and click on "find
coalitions and events near you."
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