KHI NEWS SERVICE
TOPEKA, Feb. 12 Local Safe Kids Coalitions throughout the state will sponsor safety events this week to recognize “Child Passenger Safety Week 2007.”
The groups aim to teach Kansas children and their caregivers about proper use of booster seats and safety belts, the dangers of trunk entrapment and heatstroke in parked cars, and hazardous blind spots around vehicles. Events are scheduled in Holton, Kansas City, Lawrence, McPherson, Olathe and Wichita.
“Child passenger safety is not just about babies and toddlers anymore. It”s a commitment that lasts a lifetime,” said Jan Stegelman, Safe Kids Kansas Coordinator. “What better way to show you love your children during Valentine”s week than to make sure they are secured properly.”
In addition to the safety events, local coalitions will hold car seat check-up events in Fowler, Lawrence, Marion, Meade, Olathe, Osage City, Plains, Topeka ,Wamego and Wichita. During these events certified child passenger safety technicians will provide free safety seat inspections.
During the inspections, parents and caregivers will be taught how to install and adjust their car seat properly and how to determine when an older child is ready to graduate from a booster seat to adult safety belts.
According to a new study released this week by Safe Kids Worldwide, car seat checkups provided by Safe Kids coalitions have been effective in teaching parents important safety skills.
Safe Kids Kansas provides car seat inspections and Safety Belt Fit Test assistance throughout the year as well. In the last 6 years, 34,264 seats have been checked by Coalition volunteers and 16,606 child safety seats have been distributed to low-income families.
Visit
www.kansassafekids.org
for information about upcoming events, and
www.usa.safekids.org/skbu
for more information about child safety in and around cars.