By James Limbach
ConsumerAffairs.com
September 10, 2009
Safe Kids coalitions around the country are holding approximately 850 vehicle safety events for families during September, including more than 260 car seat checkup events on Sept. 12 for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's National Seat Check Saturday.
Coalitions are conducting several different types of educational events to reach as many families as possible this month in celebration of Child Passenger Safety (CPS) 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."
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.
"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."
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.
