The fifth annual Seat Check Saturday event held last month in conjunction with National Child Passenger Safety Week (September 20-26) was a huge success with almost 50 seats being installed. Certified technicians with Safe Kids USA provided instruction for parents and child caregivers and made sure that children left in a seat that was fitted properly and installed correctly.
In the United States, motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death among children, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) statistics. In 2012, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a total of 1,168 passenger vehicle occupants aged 0-14 years died as a result of a motor vehicle traffic crash. During 1975-2012, child restraints saved an estimated 10,157 lives of children aged 0-4 years, the NHTSA reported. Seating position also contributes to child passenger safety. For 2014, National Child Passenger Safety Week was September 14-20.
As we have previously reported, motor vehicle accidents remain the leading cause of death for children ages 3 to 14. Properly installed car seats and booster seats reduce the risk of serious and fatal injuries by more than half.
Beasley Allen lawyer Gibson Vance commented, “We are excited to say that this year’s Seat Check Saturday event was a big success. The Safe Kid USA technicians worked non-stop installing almost 50 safety seats. This is, by far, the most successful event we’ve had in terms of number of safety checks. Beasley Allen Law Firm is proud to encourage safety by promoting Seat Check Saturday. This is a simple way to protect children and we are glad to be a part of it.”
Safety of small children, especially when riding in automobiles, is very important and is a top priority for parents. When you consider the information set out below, you will see how serious this matter is:
- Seven children die each day as a result of improperly fastened child seats;
- Seventy-five percent of child seats are not properly installed or fitted to the child;
- Motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of death for children ages 3-6 and 8-14;
- Properly installed car seats and booster seats reduce the risk of fatal injury by more than half.
If you missed the most recent Seat Check Saturday event in your area, you can find a safety seat inspection site near you. Visit SafeKids.org. This will provide you with information about Safe Kids Coalition groups in your area, and allow you to search for a seat inspection site near you. National Child Passenger Safety Week is sponsored annually by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
You can find more information about child safety seats and vehicle safety at the NHTSA website. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also has a helpful website with information about child safety seats. If you would like more information on this subject, contact Helen Taylor, Public Relations Coordinator for our firm, at 800-898-2034 or by email at Helen.Taylor@beasleyallen.com.
