GREENVILLE PD SUPPORTS 2011 CHILD PASSENGER SAFETY WEEK

[Greenville, OH] – Is your child’s car seat among the nearly 3 out of 4 that are used improperly? Despite the best intentions of parents and caregivers, many car seats are misused, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The Greenville Police Department urges parents and caregivers to find out if their car seats are being used properly during the 2011 Child Passenger Safety Week, September 18 - 24.

“We want to help you do all you can to best protect your child when traveling,” stated Chief Dennis L. Butts. “During Child Passenger Safety Week, we urge all parents and caregivers to have your car seat checked by a certified technician. When it comes to the safety of your child there is no room for mistakes.”

NHTSA recently issued updated recommendations to help parents and caregivers make those important decisions about which car seat to use at every stage of a child’s development. The following are basic tips to help keep your children as safe as possible:

• Children from birth to 12 months should always ride in a rear-facing car seat;
• Children between 1 and 3 years old should be kept in a rear-facing car seat as long as possible. Children should remain in rear-facing car seats until they reach the top height or weight limit allowed by the car seat manufacturer;
• Children 4 to 7 years old should ride in forward-facing car seats with a harness until they reach the top height or weight limit allowed by the car seat manufacturer;
• Children 8 to 12 years old should ride in booster seats until they are big enough to fit in seat belts properly. For a seat belt to fit properly the lap belt must lie snugly across the upper thighs, not the stomach. The shoulder belt should lie snugly across the shoulder and chest and not cross the neck or face. And very importantly, children should ride in the back seat because it is safer there.

To have your child’s car seat checked by a certified technician call Greenville Township Fire and Rescue at 937-548-9339 for an appointment with Ken Livingston.

For more information on Child Passenger Safety Week, visit www.nhtsa.gov. For live updates follow @childseatsafety on Twitter or join the community of parents, advocates and safety experts on Facebook (www.facebook.con/childpassengersafety).