Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2006
Contact: Spence Jackson, 573-751-0290
Governor Highlights Importance of Child Passenger Safety
Joins Doctors’, Safe Kids Coalition’s, MoDOT’s Efforts
JEFFERSON CITY–Gov. Matt Blunt today joined University of Missouri doctors and officials, Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) Highway Safety representatives, and members of the Columbia Safe Kids Coalition to discuss child passenger safety.
“I signed a proclamation declaring this week Child Passenger Safety Week in Missouri because I believe it is every parent’s and caregiver’s obligation to think first and foremost about ensuring their child’s safety when traveling,” Blunt said. “It is our responsibility to always make sure children are properly restrained and to never compromise their safety.”
Trauma specialists from University Hospital reiterated the tragic consequences of cutting corners when it comes to child safety. When used correctly, child safety seats are 71 percent effective in preventing fatalities for infants and 54 percent for toddlers. The use of belt-positioning booster seats lowers the risk of injury to children in crashes by 59 percent compared to the use of vehicle safety belts alone.
As children grow, how they sit safely in a car, truck, van or SUV changes. Follow the 4 Steps for Kids for the best protection:
- Use rear-facing infant seats from birth to at least one year of age and at least 20 pounds;
- Use forward-facing toddler seats from age one and 20 pounds to about age four and 40 pounds;
- Use booster seats from about age four to at least age eight – unless the child is 4’9” or taller; and
- Use safety belts at age eight or older or taller than 4’9”.
It is always important to remember that children age 12 and under are safest when properly buckled in the back seat of a vehicle.
For more information about child passenger safety visit www.saveMOlives.com or call MoDOT’s Highway Safety Division at 1-800-800-BELT.
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