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February 14, 2005

Beth Kaufman

Jesse White Reminds Parents - Obey the Law & Keep Children Safe in Safety Seats
February 13 - 19 is Child Passenger Safety Week

SPRINGFIELD — Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White reminds parents that February 13-19 is Child Passenger Safety Week and reminds them to keep their children secured in child safety seats if they are under the age of 8.

Last year the Child Passenger Protection Act was changed, increasing the age requirement for children in safety seats. Since that change, the number of tickets issued to adults who violated that law has increased by 41 percent.

In 2004, there were 4,106 citations issued to people who didn't secure children properly in safety seats. In 2003, there were 2,915 tickets issued.

"Show our children how much you care for them by protecting them in a properly secured safety seat," White said. "And make a good example by securing yourself with a safety belt."

The Child Passenger Protection Act says that children under the age of 8 years must be secured in an appropriate child restraint system, including booster seats. Children 8 years of age or older, but under the age of 16, must be properly secured in safety belts.

White said many times people are unaware that booster seats must be used with a lap/shoulder belt. In the U.S., 80 percent of children are improperly restrained.

The leading cause of death for children ages 2 to 14 is motor vehicle crashes.

Child safety seats reduced the rate of fatal injury by 69 percent, so White reminds parents to use them properly.

Parents should never place the rear-facing safety seats in the front passenger seat if the car is equipped with a passenger airbag that has not been shut off, White said.

White also suggests that parents put children aged 12 and under in the back seat, where they are the safest.

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 these fitting stations, please call 866-247-0213 or visit www.cyberdriveillinois.com.