2008-66
NEWS RELEASE:  September 8, 2008
FROM:   The Kansas Highway Patrol
CONTACT:   TechTRP Edna Buttler (785)296-6800

Child Safety Seats and Booster Seats Save Lives

Child Passenger Safety Week, Seats Donated to the Patrol

Three out of four child safety seats are improperly installed in vehicles according to research by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That's why the Kansas Highway Patrol is urging all parents and caregivers to get their child safety seats inspected. When it comes to the safety of a child, there is no room for mistakes. The Patrol will be participating in National Child Passenger Safety Week (September 21-27), parents and caregivers are urged to make sure their car seats and booster seats are properly installed in their vehicles.

During the Second Annual "National Seat Check Saturday," on September 20, the Patrol will have certified technicians available to provide free on-site child safety seat inspections, at various times and locations throughout the state, as part of National Child Passenger Safety Week.

"The Highway Patrol is committed to saving lives through public information, education, and enforcement efforts to work toward increasing the correct use of safety seats and booster seats," said Patrol Superintendent Colonel Terry Maple. "Our goal is to focus public attention on the lifesaving benefits that will help to significantly reduce death and serious injury to children in Kansas."

The Kansas Motor Carriers' Association is showing its commitment to the safety of children by graciously donating 105 child passenger safety seats of various sizes and types. A joint press conference will be held at the Kansas State fair on September 10, 2008, with the Kansas Motor Carriers' Association presenting the safety seats to the Patrol at 10:00 AM. The seats will be distributed among the Patrol's seven fitting stations. Troopers will distribute the safety seats, based on individual needs, to adults who normally cannot afford to purchase a safety seat.

"The generous contribution made by the Kansas Motor Carriers' Association will assist the Patrol in reaching an important goal, to make sure all children are secured properly in an appropriate seat - every trip, every time," said Patrol Superintendent Colonel Terry Maple.

In 2006, the Kansas Child Passenger Safety Act was amended to require children ages 4 through 7 who are under 4 feet, 9 inches, or less than 80 pounds to be properly secured in a booster seat. Children in this age group are often too small for seat belts. Seat belts are designed for adults and lay incorrectly across the neck and stomach of children. These children need a "boost" to ensure the seat belt will fit securely across their chests and low and snug across their hips to help prevent internal injuries or neck, head, and spinal injuries in the event of a crash.

To ensure a child's safety, caregivers can follow the 4 Steps for Kids:

1. Use rear-facing safety seats in the back seat from birth to at least one year of age and 20 pounds.
2. Use forward-facing toddler seats in the back seat from age one and 20 pounds to about age four and 40 pounds.
3. Use booster seats in the back seat from about age four to at least age eight - unless the child is taller than 4'9", weighs more than 80 pounds, or when only a lap belt is available - then only a seat belt is required.
4. Use seat belts in the back seat at age eight and older.

Adults should always read the child restraint manufacturer's instructions and the instructions found in their vehicle owner's manual before installing a safety seat. A child can be moved out of a booster seat when he or she can sit with their back against the seat cushion and bend their knees over the seat's edge without slouching. All children 13 and younger should sit in the back seat and wear a seat belt; and all passengers, regardless of age, should always wear a seat belt. Adults can set the proper example by wearing a seat belt every time they drive.

NHTSA studies show that the three most common mistakes in installing a child safety seat are (1) not attaching the seat correctly and tightly to the car or truck; (2) not fastening the harness tightly enough, and (3) not using the chest clip or using it incorrectly. The Kansas Highway Patrol maintains fitting stations across the state to assist parents, grandparents, and caregivers to ensure their safety seats are installed properly. Contact your nearest KHP troop headquarters to make an appointment to have your child's safety seat inspected by a certified child safety seat technician.

During Child Passenger Safety Awareness Week, the Patrol will also participate in the Kansas Department of Transportation's Special Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP), in which troopers will work overtime to focus on enforcement of the Kansas Child Passenger Safety Act. During last year's CPSAW STEP enforcement, troopers issued warnings and citations for 294 child restraint and 621 seat belt violations. Kansas' CPS law information, as well as information regarding the booster seat requirement, can be found on the state's booster seat home page: http://www.kansasboosterseat.org.

KHP Fitting Station Locations