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February 6, 2004

Dave Druker
Elizabeth Kaufman

Secretary White Urges Motorists Attending Auto Show
to Be Aware of Changes to Child Safety Seat Law

CHICAGO — Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White reminded motorists at the 96th Annual Chicago Auto Show to be mindful of changes to the child safety seat law.

The Child Passenger Protection Act was changed January 1, 2004. Children under the age of 8 years (previously under 4 years old) must be secured in an appropriate child restraint system. Children 8 years of age or older, but under the age of 16, must be properly secured in safety belts.

"Child safety seats, including booster seats, and adult safety belts save lives," White said. "Let's remember when we're at this year's auto show to think about the appropriate safety seats for our children and also make sure those seats are installed properly."

During 2002, 33 percent of children ages 4 to 7 involved in fatal crashes were unrestrained, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The use of a belt-positioning booster seat reduces the child's risk of being killed in a crash by 54%, according to NHTSA.

White said many times people are unaware that booster seats should be used with a lap/shoulder belt. Exceptions to the law apply to children weighing more than 40 pounds and traveling in vehicles that are only equipped with lap belts in all positions of the back seat. Those children may be transported in the back seat of the motor vehicle with only the lap belts secured.

White said that the leading cause of death for children ages 2 to 14 is motor vehicle crashes.

"Our children are our future," White said. "It is important that we take this time to make sure that we are taking the necessary precautions to keep our kids safe while they are traveling in the car."

According to NHTSA, when the driver wears a safety belt, his or her child passengers are also restrained 92 percent of the time.

"Nothing is more important than the safety of our children," said Terry D'Arcy, treasurer of the Chicago Automobile Trade Association, who joined White at the event. "We pledge our support and know it will provide better protection for our most precious cargo."

The Secretary of State's office through it's Kids In Safe Seats program has five fitting stations in Illinois where motorists can set up appointments to be shown how to install their child safety seats properly. Secretary of State safety seat technicians have found that 97 percent of seats checked were not installed properly.

To schedule an appointment at one of our fitting stations, please call 866-247-0213 or visit www.cyberdriveillinois.com.