Child Passenger Safety Week Highlights Need For Proper Car Seat Installation

Editor's Note: The following information was provided to Patch via a news release from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation.

Motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 13, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

During national Child Passenger Safety Week from September 15 to 21, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) and the State Patrol will remind parents, grandparents and caregivers that consistent and proper use of child safety restraints in vehicles can be a matter of life or death.

In addition, the State Patrol will begin delivery of child safety seats to approximately 25 hospitals, clinics and child passenger safety technicians for distribution to eligible low-income expectant mothers and families. The 500 infant safety seats and 400 booster seats for statewide distribution were purchased with federal funding.

"The best way to protect children in vehicles is to put them in the right seat, at the right time, and use it the right way," says David Pabst, director of the WisDOT Bureau of Transportation Safety.

To help determine the proper safety seat (based on a child's age and size) and how to use it, WisDOT offers an instructional video available on its Zero In Wisconsin program web site at www.zeroinwisconsin.gov/ChildSafetySeats/.

"For many parents, grandparents and caregivers, the installation and proper use of child safety seats can be confusing," Pabst said. "And the types and placement of child safety seats change as your child grows. The Zero In Wisconsin video on 'How to Properly Use Child Safety Seats in Wisconsin' provides easy-to-follow and comprehensive instructions so you can protect your child in your vehicle. 

"This video also will be a great child safety seat reference resource as your child grows. We hope that everyone who transports children will review our video to ensure they are fully protecting their precious passengers."