September 2007 Keep your child safe through proper car seat care
Keeping children safe in vehicles through proper seating and buckling is an essential part of being a parent. As a new father I understand the importance of using a car or booster seat that is appropriate for the child’s age and weight. Vehicle collisions are now the number one killer of kids due to improper buckling into safety seats, and that’s why this issue is so critical.
This month is child passenger safety month, bringing needed awareness to an issue that can save lives.
Educate yourself on car seat safety by following these important tips:
Infants should ride in rear-facing child safety seats in the back seat until at least age one and at least 20 pounds.
If under age one, but more than 20 pounds, infants should ride in a child safety seat approved for heavier babies and remain rear-facing until at least age one.
Never place a rear-facing infant seat in front of a passenger air bag.
Once children outgrow their rear-facing child safety seats (typically over age one and heavier than 20 pounds) they should ride in a forward-facing child safety seat in the back seat of a vehicle until they reach the upper weight (usually 40 pounds) or height limits of the seat.
Once children outgrow forward-facing child safety seats, they should ride in the back seat in booster seats until they are at least eight years old, unless they are 4-feet-9-inches tall, at which point they should fit properly in a seat belt.
To help parents ensure the safety of their children, my wife Nicole and I are partnering with the Phoenix Fire Department to host a car seat safety check. The event is from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 29, in the parking lot of Target, 4734 E. Ray Road. Please stop by to get your car or booster seat inspected or installed free of charge.
Children are unable to help themselves and so it is our responsibility as parents and caregivers to provide them with the best safety devices possible. Take the extra time to personally inspect your child’s seat by reading the directions on the car seat you are using or using our tips here. Please join me to prevent tragedies that can be avoided through proper car seat care. Phoenix City Councilman Greg Stanton represents Ahwatukee Foothills and is a member of the City Council Public Safety Subcommittee. Contact Councilman Stanton at 602-262-7491 or via e-mail at greg.stanton@phoenix.gov or visit phoenix.gov/district6.
