The California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) is urging parents and caregivers to have their children’s car seats checked for proper installation during National Child Passenger Safety Week, September 15-21.
Today a new study by a leading child safety organization, Safe Kids Worldwide, has added a third fact – 1 in 4 parents have driven with children in the car not secured at all. In fact, more affluent parents, parents with higher levels of education, and young parents are more likely to make exceptions when it comes to buckling up their kids on every ride. Men were also more willing than women to bend the rules.
When used correctly, child safety car-seats can reduce fatal injury by up to 71 percent for infants and 54 percent for toddlers. The best way to protect children traveling in vehicles is to ensure they have the correct car seat for the child’s age and size and that the seat is fitted correctly for the car.
Parents and caregivers can always visit their local Child Car Seat Inspection Station where a certified technician will inspect the child car seat and can show correct installation and use. To find a local inspection station, use the Child Car Seat Inspection Station Locator or contact your local .
In addition to this ongoing assistance, many communities are planning special events on Saturday, September 21, 2013—“National Seat Check Saturday”—to raise awareness about the importance of proper car-seat fitting and to educate people on how to protect children by correctly installing child safety seats. For information about these events, click here.
