February 8, 2005
Greene County Combined Health District
Announces
Child Passenger Safety Week
February 13-19, 2005
(Xenia, OH) The Greene County Combined Health District, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and Ad Council unite to support Child Passenger Safety Week, February 13 –19, 2005.
In celebration of National Child Passenger Safety Week, these organizations will direct special emphasis to remind parents and adults responsible for children traveling in motor vehicles the importance of child safety seats.
Motor vehicle crashes are the number one killer of children ages 2 to 14. However, children who use booster car seats are 59% less likely to be injured in a crash those children who are restrained only by a seat belt.
As children grow the way they sit in a vehicle also changes. Parents and caregivers need to follow the simple 4 Steps for Kids which includes:
1. For ages birth to one year and at least 20 pounds: use rear-facing infant seats in the back seat;
2. From age 1 and 20 pounds to age 4 and 40 pounds: use forward-facing toddler seats in the back seat;
3. From age 4 to age 8 (unless child is 4 feet 9 inches or taller): use booster seats in the back seat; and
4. For ages 8 and older or taller than 4 feet 9 inches: use seat belts in the back seat. All children age 12 or younger should ride in the backseat.
Many parents are under the false impression that children who have outgrown child safety seats can move right into seat belts. However, seat belts are designated to fit adults and they will not fully restrain a child in a crash.
National Child Safety Passenger Safety Weeks wants to remind all parents, grandparents, child care providers and adults in charge of children to remember, if children are under 4 foot, 9 inches tall, they need to ride in a booster car seat. Give children that extra hug of love – buckle them up!
Assistance or questions regarding the installation children’s safety seats is available through the local fire department, police department, Greene Memorial Hospital, Miami Valley AAA, Children’s Medical Center, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and the Greene County Combined Health District.
For additional information regarding Child Passenger Safety Week, contact Greene County Combined Health District, Beth Player, Health Educator, at 937-374-5600 or 1-866-858-3588.
Greene County Combined Health District – Your center for public health services and health information in Greene County for over 70 years.