NEWS RELEASE



For further information please contact:

Capt. Christian T. Ricks

Q2053 (573) 526-6115



February 14, 2005

EMPHASIS: Child Passenger Safety Week



Keeping children safe on the road means putting them in the right restraint at the right age. This is the focus of Child Passenger Safety Week, February 13-19, 2005. While most infants and toddlers ride in the correct child safety seat, less than 10 percent of the children who should be in booster seats use one.



The Missouri State Highway Patrol and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends that children who have outgrown child safety seats be properly restrained in booster seats in the back seat until they are 4’9” tall. The booster seat lifts a child up so a seat belt can fit correctly. Without a booster seat, in a crash, a small child can be ejected from a vehicle.



When deciding what restraint system to use, follow the child safety seat manufacturers specifications, and keep in mind these four recommended steps:



1) REAR-FACING INFANT SEATS in the back seat are used from birth to at least one year old and at least 20 pounds.

2) FORWARD-FACING TODDLER SEATS in the back seat are used from about age one to age four and from 20 to 40 pounds.

3) BOOSTER SEATS in the back seat are used from about age four and 40 pounds to age eight, unless the child is 4’9” tall.

4) SAFETY BELTS at age eight or older or taller than 4’9”. All children 12 and under should ride in the back seat.



Missouri law requires the operator and front seat occupants of all passenger vehicles to wear a properly adjusted and fastened seat belt. A child at least four years of age, but less than 16 years of age, must wear a properly adjusted and fastened seat belt when occupying any position of any motor vehicle. Children under four years of age must be protected by a child passenger restraint system (child safety seat) when transported in any motor vehicle other than a public carrier for hire.



According to NHTSA, three-quarters of child safety seats are misused, reducing their effectiveness in a crash. Frequent mistakes include failure to use a locking clip and/or chest clip where needed, and improper use of the child seat harness straps. It is important for parents to know how to correctly install their child’s safety seat into their vehicle. Parents with questions or concerns can call their local Highway Patrol troop headquarters and ask for the public information and education officer. These troopers are certified safety seat technicians and can make sure the child’s seat is installed properly.



“If a child is riding in your vehicle, I urge you to protect them,” said Colonel Roger D. Stottlemyre, superintendent of the Patrol. “Use the correct safety seat for younger children and buckle up older children. Seat belts save lives. If you have questions, call the local troop headquarters. We’re here to protect and serve.”