Child Passenger Safety
Child Passenger Safety Week September 21st - 27th
Due to the fact that incorrect installation and misuse of child safety and booster seats remains a frequent occurrence, local inspection services have become even more important in the long-term strategy to reduce the frequency of these problems and better protect child passengers. (NHTSA, 2008) During 2007 in Oregon 838 child passengers under age eight were injured in crashes and of these 2 were killed. (ODOT Crash Analysis & Reporting, 2007) Over thirty-five percent of these child crash victims were NOT using child restraints. This means one in three of these children were not restrained correctly. Misuse included drivers either placing children prematurely into adult lap and shoulder belts or leaving the child totally unrestrained‹in violation of Oregon law (ORS 811.210.)
To help ensure that children are correctly restrained, this year's observance of Child Passenger Safety Week (September 2127) will emphasize the continuing need for consumers to have their car seats inspected to ensure their children are riding securely and safely. The more than 400 certified child passenger safety technicians in Oregon reported over 2,500 car seat inspections last year and consistently found that only 18% are used correctly.
The second annual 'Seat Check Saturday' will kickoff CPS Week on September 20, and will draw national attention to the importance and lifesaving potential of child safety seat inspections. The goal of the program is to spur consumers to visit local inspection stations to ensure that their child safety seats are correctly installed.
NHTSA headquarters is working with the States, Regional Offices and national partner groups to arrange as many local seat inspection events as possible. The goal is for no less than one in every state, making this a truly nationwide observance. Events may be held locally at other times during CPS Week (not necessarily on Seat Check Saturday itself), due to scheduling issues and other local circumstances. At press time, in Oregon there are three events scheduled on September 20th in Keizer, Medford and Portland. In addition, during Child Passenger Safety Week inspection events will be held in Beaverton, La Grande and Tualatin. For the most current list of events in Oregon visit www.childsafetyseat.org for dates, locations and times.
The Oregon Child Passenger Safety Week (CPSW) Coordinating Committee is promoting CPSW though a promotional letter and free educational materials. The letter will be sent to law enforcement, traffic safety committees and commissions, child passenger safety technicians, child care providers, fire departments, emergency medical service providers, physicians, health departments, SAFE KIDS Coalitions and other child injury prevention advocates.
We are encouraging all traffic safety advocates to help distribute educational materials and encourage families to take the time to have their child's car seats inspected. Please join our efforts.
